Arsenal beat Sporting Lisbon, and Arteta praised the significant impact of substitutes.

Arsenal defeated Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the first leg of their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League quarter-final, thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta stated in an interview that the substitutes had a significant impact on the team and he was happy with their performance.

In the 63rd minute of the second half, Dzekeresh passed the ball to Martin Zuwemendi, who received a back pass from Ben White at the edge of the penalty area and fired a long-range shot into the net. However, the referee ruled that Dzekeresh was offside, and the goal was disallowed.

In stoppage time of the second half, Martinelli chipped a pass into the penalty area, where Havertz met it and fired a low shot into the net, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Arsenal ultimately defeated Sporting CP 1-0 away from home.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said, "This is a microcosm of our season, showing how important substitutes are to achieving our goals, and it was the same in this game. Martinelli made a huge impact after coming on as a substitute, as did Havertz and Max Dawman, so we really needed performances like this, and we are very happy."

"Winning away in the Champions League is very difficult, especially against a team that has won 16 consecutive home games, which speaks volumes about our performance."

Arteta also pointed out, "We completely controlled the game at times and created chances, but we weren't threatening enough near the penalty area, and we need to be more efficient and decisive in our passing at crucial moments. We also needed David Raya to make two key saves to help us win the game."

In addition, Arsenal will face Bournemouth in the next round of the Premier League, and then host Sporting Lisbon again in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Arteta said, "The players know that this match is only halfway through, and they know that the match at the Emirates Stadium will be just as difficult, but we will be prepared for it."

Image source: Internet