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Will Arsenal reach successive Champions League semi-finals?
TL;DR
Arsenal aims to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season, holding a one-goal lead against Sporting after a 1-0 victory in the first leg. The team's chances of advancing are estimated at 91.6% according to the Opta Supercomputer.
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Arsenal play Sporting on Wednesday with the aim of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in successive seasons.
Mikel Arteta's side have a one-goal advantage after the first leg in Lisbon, in which goalkeeper David Raya made a string of impressive saves to deny the home side before Kai Havertz snatched a 1-0 victory late on.
Havertz's late winner means Arsenal have the best chance of reaching the final four at 91.6%, according to the Opta Supercomputer.
But some may not have that level of confidence after Arsenal's recent results.
Saturday's defeat by Bournemouth was their third in four games in all competitions and one Arteta described as "a big punch to the face" and a "painful day".
Arsenal cannot afford another knockout blow in the Champions League after FA Cup and Carabao Cup disappointment.
The Gunners have won 17 of their past 18 European two-legged ties when they have secured a first-leg away victory.
But the most recent time these two sides met at Emirates Stadium, it was the Portuguese team who came out on top. That was in March 2023 when Arsenal lost their Europa League last-16 tie to Sporting on penalties.
The visitors will be boosted by the return of captain and midfielder Morten Hjulmand who was suspended for the first leg, but Luis Guilherme and Fotis Ioannidis remain sidelined.
For Arsenal, Mikel Merino is unavailable, while Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are doubts.
With a colossal Premier League game at title rivals Manchester City looming, the Gunners have to stop the rot and that starts by securing a Champions League semi-final place.
Did you know?
- Arsenal's only defeat across their past 23 European home games came against Paris St-Germain in last season's Champions League semi-final (0-1).
- Mikel Arteta's side have kept a clean sheet in 16 of their past 22 European matches at Emirates Stadium, conceding just nine goals overall.
Q&A
What was the score of the first leg between Arsenal and Sporting?
Arsenal won the first leg against Sporting 1-0.
What are Arsenal's chances of reaching the Champions League semi-finals?
Arsenal's chances of advancing to the semi-finals are estimated at 91.6%.
Who scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the first leg against Sporting?
Kai Havertz scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the first leg against Sporting.
