Sporting CP vs Arsenal LIVE
After a nightmare fortnight in the domestic cup competitions, Arsenal are back on track after beating Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night. Talk of an unprecedented quadruple has been put to bed following defeat in the Carabao Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit at the weekend, but the Gunners can still end the season with at least one piece of silverware.
Mikel Arteta has said "the most beautiful period of the season" is ahead of his side and Kai Havertz scored an injury time winner in Lisbon to earn Arsenal an advantage going into next week’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners thought they had broken the deadlock just after the hour mark when Martin Zubimendi found the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR check as Viktor Gyokeres - against his former club - was in an offside position. Follow the game back below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri from the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal highlights
- GOAL! Havertz puts Arsenal ahead in injury time
- NO GOAL! Zubimendi denied by VAR check
Arsenal player ratings
22:19 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDavid Raya 8
Sensational stop to deny Araujo and sharp to keep out Catamo’s header. Distribution was good and brought much more calm to the Arsenal defence than Kepa has. Well-positioned a couple of times to mop up balls over the top.
Ben White 3
Given nightmares by Araujo, who kept getting in behind. Loose on the ball and attempts to link up with Madueke were really poor. That flank was a real weakness for Arsenal defensively.
William Saliba 7
Strong up against Suarez, who primarily picked Saliba as his sparring partner. Dominated that duel in the opening 45 minutes, but became more even in the second-half. Very nearly caught on the ball twice.
Click here for our Arsenal player ratings in full!
Fan reaction
22:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGo and look at Sporting Lisbons results at home in Europe this season, then come & talk to me.
— Jay (@JayM_17_) April 7, 2026
Huge win, especially for the moment we’re in. #SPOARS #UCL
Fan thoughts
22:18 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMasterclass by Arteta with the subs making the difference. Another brilliant away win in Europe for those rip-roaring Gunners #Arteta #CL #SPOARS @Arsenal
— Olu Bamidele (@olubamidele) April 7, 2026
Fan reaction
22:17 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI hope Arteta can now see the difference between Raya and Kepa?
— Saint Pendrick 🌓 (@pendrick_p) April 7, 2026
#SPOARS
FULL-TIME
21:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP 0-1 Arsenal
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
21:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWow. Arsenal have not even vaguely looked like scoring but out of nothing they snatch victory. Sporting fans immediately respond with a huge roar for their side and the effort they have put in.
GOAL! Sporting CP 0-1 Arsenal | Kai Havertz ‘90+1
21:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+1 min: GOALLLLLL
Kai Havertz steals it for Arsenal in injury time, fine pass from Gabriel Martinelli and the German keeps his cool.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Two minutes of additional time.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: Raya again! The Arsenal keeper spills an effort from Catamo but is up quick to smother the ball at the feet of Suarez who was sniffing around for the rebound.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: Martinelli with a decent effort which bounces in front of Rui Silva before the Sporting keeper makes the save.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Tell you what, Araujo has had his hands full tonight, first up against Madueke and now Dowman.
At the other end, Suarez sits down Calafiori and dinks in a cross to Catamo who sees a header saved by Raya.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: Into the final nine minutes in Lisbon as we still await the first goal of this quarter-final tie.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne79 min: Dowman’s first involvement is to win a free-kick, not once but twice.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: Martinelli picks out the run of Calafiori but the Arsenal left-back sends in a really poor pass which allows Sporting to counter, Catamo tries to catch out Raya at his near post but drags his shot wide.
Nel comes on in place of Goncalves.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Straight swap for Arsenal as Dowman has gone over to the right and Martinelli will operate from his usual left-wing station.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere we go. The 76-minute undercard is done. Time for Max Dowman and the main event. Arsenal fans as loud as they have been all night chanting his name.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Double Arsenal change sees Trossard and Madueke make way for Dowman and Martinelli.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Madueke with a teasing cross, whipped in with pace but neither Gyokeres or Trossard can make contact. Changes are imminent for the Gunners.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Gabriel is now wearing the Arsenal captain’s armband since Odegaard went off and he almost puts his team in danger with a misplaced pass before Gyokeres wins the Gunners a free-kick.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: Arsenal are certainly enjoying their best period of the game as Martin Odegaard makes way for Kai Havertz. The German was on target for the Gunners in their last away game in Europe.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne67 min: Gyokeres tries to make a yard of space for a shot, he manages to do so but can’t generate any power.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHe was offside, but good to see Gyokeres getting involved in Arsenal's build-up. Game has passed him by up to this point.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: NO GOAL!
Martin Zubimendi gives the Gunners the lead with a wonderful finish, however, the goal is ruled out as Viktor Gyokeres was in an offside position.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Concern for Arsenal as Odegaard is down requiring a bit of treatment. The midfielder will hope the injury curse has not struck him again.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: First chance of the game sees Joao Simoes make way for Daniel Braganca.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
21:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting are having a spell. Home fans are bang up for it again and the players are snapping into the challenges. As dangerous as they've looked since the opening stages.
Would say it's a time for Arsenal to keep things tight and take no real risks, but they've been doing that all match.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Trincao’s challenge on Zubimendi in the middle of the park has raised the noise levels inside the ground, but any excitement is short-lived as a corner comes to nothing.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Rui Silva gets a vital touch on Trossard’s cross, taking the ball off the head of Gyokeres who was looking to attack it at the back post.
At the other end, Trincao’s effort bobbles wide.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Trincao gets a touch on Madueke’s corner to concede another.
This one is taken again by Madueke but Sporting manage to clear their lines, forcing Raya to scramble back but Arsenal see out the danger.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne53 min: Madueke draws in Araujo and wins a foul off the Sporting CP winger. Free-kick to Arsenal in a promising position, Odegaard takes and the ball is helped over the bar by Rui Silva for a corner.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: Space opens up for Trossard as he cuts in onto his right foot but he doesn’t catch the shot cleanly and the attempts dribbles out of play. No closer to ending his goal drought.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: Sporting straight onto the attack in the second half but Arsenal defend the corner well, Gabriel with a big header inside his own box under immense pressure.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
21:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFrom an xG perspective, that was the second-worst first-half of football Arsenal have had in any competition this season.
No changes in personnel at half-time and you would not necessarily bank on a change in approach - Arteta would probably be happy enough with 0-0.
KICK-OFF!
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Lisbon.
No changes for either side at the break.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal highlights
21:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis was the closest we have come to a goal tonight. A really good save from David Raya to stop Arsenal falling behind inside the opening ten minutes.
Arsenal survive an early scare 😨
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 7, 2026
Maximiliano Araújo crashes one off the bar for Sporting 💥 pic.twitter.com/P1Kk7n4dCz
Fan reaction: Arsenal performance
20:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOdegaard & Trossard doing their best to undermine every attack we have. Surely Dowman or Havertz and Martinelli come out for Second half #SPOARS
— Nick Thompson (@Nicoli_Gamer) April 7, 2026
Fan thoughts: Mikel Arteta overthinking
20:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArteta ball is exhausting. You've got an in-form striker and instead of feeding him, it's nonstop recycling to the wings like it’s the only plan. Predictable, annoyingly slow, and easy to defend. Why is Mikel overthinking this? #SPOARS #UCL
— Panthera Leo (@JovAondo) April 7, 2026
Fan reaction: Arsenal struggling
20:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal being pragmatic and less bravery #SPOARS
— Daddy Flourish 🇳🇬 ⚽️🥷🏾 (@iam_flourish_uk) April 7, 2026
HALF-TIME
20:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe whistle blows right on 45 and it’s goalless at the break.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArteta is doing his best to mark Araujo himself. Whenever the ball is played out to him on the left, the Arsenal boss is running full pelt towards him along the touchline, urging Madueke to do the same to support White.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Confirmation via Amazon Prime that the graphic showing Suarez had been booked was an error. The Sporting CP striker is NOT suspended for next week’s second leg.
Odegaard then has Arsenal’s first shot on target but it’s a tame effort.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: Good wing play from Madueke to get past his marker, he then plays in White who gets to the byline but can’t dig out a decent cross and that Arsenal attack comes to nothing.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Diomande lines one up from range and fires over the bar.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Good forward play from Suarez as he hunts down what looked to be a lost cause against Saliba and Zubimendi then sells Raya a little short with a back pass but the Arsenal keeper makes the clearance.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Well, turns out Suarez’s yellow card was an error. One to keep an eye on.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat relationship White has with Saka really isn't there the same way with Madueke. White has played one ball to the winger when he was about three yards offside, now he overhits the ball over the top when the run wasn't really on.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Sporting CP striker Suarez has been booked and that rules him out of the second leg. Not sure what has happened there.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: Calafiori - Arsenal’s left-back - pops up in an inside forward position on the right but overhits his cross into the box.
Morita is then booked for a sliding tackle on Trossard, he did win the ball but caught the Arsenal forward on the follow-through.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: Referee spots a foul from White at the near post and Arsenal’s corner routine comes to nothing.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:29 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting crowd is full of fans with an eye for a pass, it seems. Whenever the hosts are on the break and space opens up for one of their players, the supporters absolutely scream out where the ball needs to be played.
Twice now those on the pitch haven't listened and it hasn't gone down well.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Odegaard’s pass is telegraphed and it opens the door for Sporting to counter but Arsenal get bodies back very quickly, forcing the home side back towards their own goal.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: White buys a free-kick after some good defending to stop Araujo tricking his way into the box.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: Madueke against Araujo is proving to be a lively battle. The Sporting CP star oversteps his mark again and concedes a free-kick which is played short and ultimately comes to nothing as Odegaard’s cross is nodded away.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNo surprise that Arsenal's first sign of promise in attack comes from a set-piece. Nearly straight in from Madueke.
After a shaky start, Arsenal have just started to settle and get themselves going. Happy to keep it in defence and midfield, passing it very slowly. Trying to cool the atmosphere.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: CHANCE! Madueke’s corner hits the bar before Odegaard slices the rebound just wide.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: Odegaard’s delivery is good, but it’s defended well the Sporting CP defender Diomande after his keeper had flapped at the ball. Another chance for Arsenal from a corner...
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Madueke runs into Araujo and eventually wins Arsenal a free-kick in a fairly dangerous position on the right-hand side. Gabriel, Saliba and Calafiori up for this, Odegaard to take.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Safe hands from Raya as he gets down low to gather Catamo’s cross into his arms. Arsenal keeper being made to work hard on his return to the team.
The Gunners then threaten as Madueke finds Gyokeres in the middle but the Swede is crowded out and can’t move the ball on for Trossard.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:12 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd that's not calming things down. Araujo clean through and hammers an effort against the bar.
He made a run into that space a couple of minutes earlier that wasn't picked out, but this one was. Real left-off for Arsenal.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: Real scare for Arsenal as Araujo smacks an effort against the crossbar. Replays show that Raya got a touch onto the ball, superb save from the Spaniard.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Now it’s Arsenal’s turn to enjoy some possession, hoping to draw Sporting CP players out of position but the hosts are not biting and that forces the visitors all the way back to Raya.
Sporting CP 0-0 Arsenal
20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne3 min: A fairly low-key start to this Champions League quarter-final, the hosts are seeing plenty of the ball but are coming up against a determined Arsenal defence.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
20:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting have a perfect record on home soil in the Champions League so these fans are used to seeing them win.
No surprise, then, that they are creating a great atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
Got to think the hosts will come flying out of the blocks - Arsenal need to calm things down in the opening 20 minutes.
KICK-OFF!
20:03 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
HERE WE GO!
19:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Estadio Jose Alvalade
Kick-off is next.
Arsenal stars at risk of Champions League ban
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Sporting CP, though Mikel Arteta may need to have a quiet word with two senior players ahead of kick-off.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeandro Trossard is back in the side tonight after missing the defeat to Southampton.
He was in good form earlier in the season but that has fallen off a cliff - the Belgian hasn't scored a goal in 2026.
Considering it's now April 7, it would be fair to say Arsenal could do with more from Trossard on the left.
Kick-off approaching in Lisbon
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Last time out
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal delivered a statement performance the last time they faced Sporting CP in Lisbon.
The Gunners were 3-0 up at half-time, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel all on target before Bukayo Saka’s second-half penalty after a Goncalo Inacio reply and Leandro Trossard’s late header that saw them score five goals in the Champions League for the first time since 2008.
Five-star Gunners 🤩
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2026
Enjoy the highlights from our 5-1 Champions League victory over Sporting CP last time out 📺 pic.twitter.com/gn03KetiFX
Around the grounds
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Champions League quarter-final line up.
PSG vs Liverpool
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Sporting CP vs Arsenal
Team news reminder
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Sporting CP XI: Rui Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Joao Simoes, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Pedro Goncalves; Suarez
Substitutes: Joao Virginia, Callai, Debast, Vagiannidis, Kochorashvili, Faye, Daniel Braganca, Flavio Goncalves, Quaresma, Nel, Mangas.
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Mosquera, Norgaard, Martinelli, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus, Harriman-Annous.
Fan reaction: Arsenal concern
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIf We Beat Sporting Or Even Get A Draw Out Of There Tonight, It Will Be Through Luck & It Will Be Nothing To Do With Us Playing Well. #SPOARS #COYG #UCL
— AngeloAB2025 (@Ab2025Ange51191) April 7, 2026
Fan thoughts: Arsenal team
19:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneExcited with the line-up. Go gunners #COYG #SPOARS
— Kosovo Arsenal (@KosovoArsenal) April 7, 2026
Fan reaction: Ben White pressure
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBen White should wake up and have a good game. There is no room here for that performance at Southampton. #Ucl #SPOARS
— Khadim Rassoùll GUEYE (@itskhadimrassul) April 7, 2026
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMatt Verri is in position for us in Lisbon and has delivered his reaction to the Arsenal team news, with Declan Rice back in the line up.
🗣 "He makes such a massive difference in midfield."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 7, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/1pyIDQOJN1#SPOARS | #UCL pic.twitter.com/6S61Sb0jzp
Arsenal changes
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEight changes to the Arsenal side that started the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton.
David Raya, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres all return.
CONFIRMED SPORTING CP TEAM NEWS
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the home side this evening...
O nosso 1️⃣1️⃣ inicial para hoje 📋 #SCPARS #UCL pic.twitter.com/OSaPkD4bGD
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) April 7, 2026
Sporting CP team in full
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP XI: Rui Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Joao Simoes, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Pedro Goncalves; Suarez
Substitutes: Joao Virginia, Callai, Debast, Vagiannidis, Kochorashvili, Faye, Daniel Braganca, Flavio Goncalves, Quaresma, Nel, Mangas.
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel and Rice both fit to start - so important for Arsenal.
With Odegaard and Zubimendi also available, Arteta now has his first-choice midfield out on the pitch. They need to provide the Gunners with much more control than we've seen them have in the last couple of matches.
Arsenal team in full
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Madueke, Trossard, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Mosquera, Norgaard, Martinelli, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus, Harriman-Annous.
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
18:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team selected by Mikel Arteta...
🔵 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2026
🧤 Raya starts in goal
🧱 Gabriel makes 250th appearance
⚡️ Trossard out wide
Let’s do this, Gunners 👊
Alan Shearer prediction
18:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne“I think it'll be Arsenal or Bayern Munich that win the Champions League this year. I've seen every team this season. I've been to most grounds in Europe, and those two, without doubt, have been the standout.
“Bayern and Arsenal have performed consistently nearly every week, but there's a reason why Real Madrid have such a history in this competition, because they come alive now.”
Matt Verri at Estadio Jose Alvalade
18:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSo far, so good for Gyokeres. Been plenty of talk about how he'll be received tonight, but he's just had a big group of Sporting fans applaud him as he got off the Arsenal coach.
High-fived a few stewards on his way in too.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal live - team news imminent
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Sporting at home
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP have been nothing short of unstoppable at home in the Champions League this season, winning all five games en route to reaching the quarter-finals.
Sporting CP at home 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/NaFpXs7G2w
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 6, 2026
Ramsey retires
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFormer Arsenal midfielder has officially announced his retirement from football, aged 35.
Diolch / Thank you. Onto the next chapter 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/OmJzyZ3lkv
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) April 7, 2026
Suspension blow
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP will be without captain Morten Hjulmand for their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.
Sporting produced the result of the last-16, by overturning a 3-0 deficit from the first leg against Bodo/Glimt to end the Norwegian side’s fairytale run in this season’s competition.
Unfortunately for Sporting, the one negative from an otherwise flawless evening was the yellow card shown to Hjulmand a minute into the second half.
With that being his fifth booking in the Champions League this season, he must now serve a one-game suspension.
Mikel Arteta sends title race message after shock FA Cup exit
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta insisted there is no "panic" in the Arsenal camp despite losing consecutive matches for the first time this season.
The Gunners have had their silverware opportunities halved over the last couple of games, first falling to defeat in the Carabao Cup final and then crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton.
Arsenal are in Portugal to face Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday night and need a positive result to stop their season coming apart at the seams.
The pressure is ratcheting up, but Arteta is adamant he and his players will remain calm in their bid for Premier League and Champions League success.
Predicted Arsenal XI
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWith Bukayo Saka out, Noni Madueke will likely be the preferred option on the right, though Max Dowman's form could see Mikel Arteta hand him minutes at some stage of the match.
Viktor Gyokeres appears certain to lead the line against his former side. He has five goals in his last three appearances for club and country.
Cristhian Mosquera could get the nod at right-back in Timber's absence, while Riccardo Calafiori looks set to come into the side with Piero Hincapie still out.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Trossard; Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta has a new undroppable as Arsenal face Sporting showdown
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneViktor Gyokeres is a rarity in this current Arsenal side, writes Matt Verri.
When Mikel Arteta scans across the dressing room before tonight's Champions League showdown with Sporting, he will know Gyokeres is his only attacker even vaguely in form.
Back in familiar surroundings tonight, Gyokeres could be the man for big occasion to drag the Gunners through their rockiest spell of season.
Today's settings
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Estadio Jose Alvalade hosts tonight's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Arsenal are unbeaten in four visits here, winning 5-1 in the league phase last season.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal latest match odds
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting to win: 11/4
Arsenal to win: 4/5
Draw: 11/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal faced Sporting in the league phase of this competition last season, coming away with a decisive 5-1 win.
Sporting wins: 1
Arsenal wins: 3
Draws: 3
Score prediction
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSporting CP have scored a remarkable 14 goals in their last three matches, shipping only three in that time, and have a great chance to continue that run against Arsenal.
Sporting CP to win, 2-1.
Sporting CP team news
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe hosts have been hit with a blow as key midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has Arsenal’s crest tattooed on his left shoulder, is suspended for the first leg.
Geovany Quenda is out with an injury, as is ex-West Ham winger Luis Guilherme. Giorgi Kochorashvili and Ricardo Mangas complete the absentee list.
Arsenal team news
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel was forced off against Southampton but is fit to play alongside with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber have not recovered from their respective knocks in time to make the trip to Lisbon, with Mikel Arteta hopeful the pair will return against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie remain absent, while David Raya is expected to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.
How to watch
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 6.30pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Amazon Prime Video website or app.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Sporting CP vs Arsenal LIVE
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Sporting CP vs Arsenal.
The Gunners need to get their season back on track after losing the Carabao Cup final and then being knocked out of the FA Cup in successive games.
Sporting, though, are sure to provide a stern test having won all five home games in the Champions League this season.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Stick with us!
