The Champions League quarter-finals kicked off with two thrilling matches, featuring Arsenal's narrow victory over Sporting and Bayern Munich's triumph against Real Madrid. Both matches set the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament next week.

Match Summaries

In the first leg of the quarter-finals, Arsenal secured a 1-0 win against Sporting, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal late in the match. Earlier, a potential opener from Zubimendi was ruled out. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich edged out Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Diaz and Kane, while Mbappe managed to pull one back for the hosts.

Arsenal's Defensive Strength

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya reflected on his performance during the match, emphasizing his role in helping the team. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he noted, "It's something that I'm there for. I'm trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball." He highlighted a crucial save against Araujo, which he described as a "turning moment" in the game.

Raya also expressed satisfaction with achieving his seventh Champions League clean sheet this season, stating, "Those clean sheets make it easier to win games." He acknowledged the significance of scoring in the last minute, which allowed Arsenal to take a lead into the second leg.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal prepares for the next leg, Raya conveyed the team's belief in their potential to win the Champions League, saying, "We believe 100% that we can win it." He emphasized the importance of focusing on each game and learning from past experiences, particularly after recent losses. "If you don't believe then you're never going to win it," he added.

With the first leg results in the books, fans eagerly await the second legs of these quarter-finals, set to take place next Wednesday. The upcoming matches include Atletico Madrid facing Barcelona and Liverpool taking on Paris St-Germain, promising more excitement in the Champions League.