Arsenal Through to Last Four, As Sporting Lisbon Share Spoils in Tense UEFA Champions League Clash
Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon cancelled each other out in a goalless draw at the Emirates, giving the Gunners a qualification to the UEFA Champions League semifinal on an aggregate score of 1-0. Arsenal had led the scoresheet from the first-leg tie, having to play a goalless draw on the return leg of the quarterfinal, eliminated the Portuguese. The Gunners carefully defended their lead, even though they were unable to have a spectacular performance. The opening exchanges were defined by midfield skirmishes rather than clear chances. Sporting’s Eduardo Quaresma set the physical tone early, conceding a second-minute free kick for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal probed through Noni Madueke and Declan Rice, but were unable to get a shot on target. Sporting Lisbon came closest to taking the lead when Catamo’s first-half effort strike off the woodwork and Simões’ stoppage-time miss were golden chances, but a clean sheet at Emirates Stadium was not the best t...
