Emirates Stadium, London, ENGLAND – Arsenal have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the second consecutive year after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night.
Okay News reports that the Gunners advanced with a 1-0 aggregate victory, having protected the narrow lead they established in the first leg thanks to a Kai Havertz strike. Despite a dominant performance at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side was unable to find a breakthrough on the night, with substitute Leandro Trossard coming closest when his late header rattled the post.
Sporting Lisbon, searching for their first-ever semifinal appearance, proved to be resilient opponents. The Portuguese side nearly stunned the home crowd in the first half when Geny Catamo’s effort struck the woodwork. However, Arsenal’s defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães stood firm to ensure the clean sheet and safe passage to the next round.
The result sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, who knocked out Barcelona on Tuesday. For Arsenal, the dream of a historic Premier League and Champions League double remains alive as they prepare to face Diego Simeone’s disciplined side in the final four.
