LISBON, Portugal — David Raya delivered a standout performance as Arsenal edged Sporting CP 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, earning praise from teammate Kai Havertz, who described him as the world’s best goalkeeper.
Raya produced a series of crucial saves at the José Alvalade Stadium to keep Arsenal in contention during long spells in which the visitors struggled to impose themselves. The Spaniard tipped Maxi Araujo’s drive onto the crossbar, denied Geny Catamo from close range, and later parried another dangerous header to preserve parity.
Arsenal capitalised on the goalkeeper’s heroics late in the match when Havertz calmly converted a stoppage-time pass from substitute Gabriel Martinelli to hand the Premier League leaders a narrow but valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.
“Unbelievable. I think still underestimated in the world of football, but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world,” Havertz said. “He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times, and we’re very glad to have him.”
Raya’s return proved decisive after he had been rested for Arsenal’s recent domestic setbacks, including a League Cup final defeat to Manchester City and an FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton.
His deputy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, had made a costly mistake in the Wembley defeat, underlining the importance of Raya’s presence.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoed Havertz’s praise after Raya registered his seventh Champions League clean sheet this season.
“At the moment, he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him,” Arteta said. “He had two moments where he made two big saves. That’s the Champions League — it is always decided in the boxes.”
Raya described his early save from Araujo as a turning point that kept Arsenal afloat during a difficult phase.
“I think that’s a turning moment. It was a quick transition from them, great strike, but I managed to get a fingertip to it to hit the bar,” he said. “You have to be focused no matter what you’re doing… delighted with myself and, of course, the win.”
The result ended Arsenal’s two-game losing run and put them in a strong position ahead of the second leg in London on April 15. The club remains in pursuit of its first Champions League title while also pushing for a first English league crown in over two decades.
“We believe 100pc that we can win the Champions League. We go game by game and show what we can do,” Raya said, adding that the team had used recent defeats as motivation.
