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Arsenal secure semi-final berth despite second-leg goalless stalemate with Sporting CP
TL;DR
Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a goalless draw with Sporting CP, winning 1-0 on aggregate. The match featured a penalty appeal from Sporting CP that was denied by the referee.
Arsenal secure semi-final berth despite second-leg goalless stalemate with Sporting CP
Arsenal and Sporting CP battled to a goalless draw in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, winning 1-0 on aggregate.
The visitors appealed for a penalty 14 minutes into the game when Geny Catamo went down in the area under the challenge of Piero Hincapie, but referee Francois Letexier waved away the appeals.
Moments later, William Saliba lost possession to Morten Hjulmand, who found Francisco Trincão, but his curling effort flew well wide.
At the other end, Viktor Gyökeres set his sights on goal, but his long-range effort flew over the bar before Gonçalo Inacio made a last-ditch block to deny the Swede.
Just before break, the visitors nearly took advantage of David Raya’s error when his misplaced pass was picked off by Pedro Gonçalves, but his attempted through ball to Trincão failed to find its target.
Moments later, Catamo came close to putting the Lions ahead as he met Maximilliano Araujo’s cross with a volley at the back post, but his effort rattled the outside of the post.
Three minutes into the second half, Araújo came close to breaking the deadlock, but his effort drifted wide of the far post before Eberechi Eze fired over from range at the other end.
Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli dragged his volley just wide before Noni Madueke struck the side netting from a promising position.
In the 65th minute, the visitors had another penalty shout after Cristhian Mosquera nudged Araujo in the back as he moved to meet Catamo’s cross, but the referee once again waved play on.
Leandro Trossard almost fired the Gunners ahead in the 83rd minute after he met Max Dowman’s corner, but his header struck the post.
On the stroke of full-time, Joao Simões could’ve given Sporting the late lead, but he dragged his effort narrowly wide.
Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League.
Q&A
How did Arsenal secure their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals?
Arsenal secured their place by drawing 0-0 with Sporting CP in the second leg, winning 1-0 on aggregate.
What was the controversial moment in the Arsenal vs Sporting CP match?
The controversial moment was a penalty appeal from Sporting CP when Geny Catamo was challenged by Piero Hincapie, which the referee did not award.
Who were the key players involved in the Arsenal vs Sporting CP match?
Key players included William Saliba, who lost possession leading to a chance for Sporting CP, and Piero Hincapie, who was involved in the penalty appeal.
