The Emirates is buzzing. Arsenal bring a precious 1-0 lead back to north London as they host Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg on April 15, 2026. Kai Havertz’s last-gasp winner in Lisbon has the Gunners in the driving seat — but Sporting are far from done.
Arsenal vs Sporting CP: Match Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Arsenal vs Sporting CP (2nd Leg) |
| Date & Time | April 15, 2026 – 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – Quarter-Final |
| Aggregate | Arsenal lead 1–0 |
| Prediction | Arsenal 2–0 Sporting CP |
The Story So Far
Havertz’s beautifully taken 90th-minute goal — set up by Gabriel Martinelli — settled the first leg in Lisbon as Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory. The Gunners are unbeaten in six European meetings with Sporting CP (W3 D3), including a stunning 5-1 win in last season’s league phase.
Sporting, though, are alive in this tie. They have historically fared well over two legs, progressing from nine of ten two-legged UEFA ties, and famously knocked Arsenal out on penalties in the 2022/23 Europa League round of 16. Don’t write them off just yet.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arsenal unbeaten run vs Sporting | 6 games (W3 D3) |
| Sporting two-leg record | Progressed in 9 of 10 ties |
| Last Arsenal win vs Portuguese sides | Strong — 11 wins in 12 |
| Sporting record vs English clubs | Just 2 wins in last 14 UEFA games |
Team News & Injuries
| Club | Absentees / Doubts |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | Mikel Merino (out for season), Jurrien Timber (doubtful), Zubimendi (knee discomfort) |
| Arsenal | ✅ Saka targeting return; Rice, Gabriel, Trossard available |
| Sporting CP | Quenda (foot), Luis Guilherme (ankle), Hjulmand (suspension carry-over risk) |
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Nørgaard, Odegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Sporting CP (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Inácio, Araújo; Morita, Simões; Catamo, Trincão, Pote; Luis Suárez
Prediction
Arsenal head into the second leg with a 1-0 aggregate advantage ESPN and the comfort of their own fortress. Arsenal have scored 27 goals in the Champions League this season compared to Sporting’s 22, and have conceded just 5 goals against Sporting’s 15. ESPN The numbers heavily favour the Gunners completing the job at home.
Our Pick: Arsenal 2–0 Sporting CP — Arsenal advance ✅
For full UCL standings and fixtures, visit the official UEFA Champions League website.
How to Watch
| Country | TV / Stream |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | Amazon Prime Video (8:00 PM BST) |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Paramount+, Prime Video USA |
| 🇮🇳 India | Sony Sports / Sony LIV |
| 🌍 Global | Check LiveSoccerTV for local listings |
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Full Preview & Favourites | Arsenal Season Review 2025-26 — Title Contenders?
