Kai Havertz praised David Raya after his heroics secured Arsenal a 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Sporting.
Kai Havertz labelled teammate David Raya the best in the world after the goalkeeper’s standout display helped Arsenal edge a 1-0 victory against Sporting in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Raya produced a series of crucial saves at the Estádio José Alvalade to keep Arsenal in the contest during difficult spells. The Spaniard tipped Maxi Araujo’s powerful strike onto the crossbar, denied Geny Catamo from close range, and later parried another dangerous header from the same player.
Below their usual level for long periods, Arsenal relied heavily on Raya’s man-of-the-match performance to end a two-game losing streak. The Gunners eventually found the breakthrough in stoppage time when Havertz calmly finished after being set up by fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli.
The late winner puts Arsenal in a strong position ahead of the second leg in London, with the Premier League leaders now firm favourites to reach the semi-finals. Raya’s return proved especially important after he had been rested for recent defeats, including the League Cup final loss to Manchester City and an FA Cup exit against Southampton.
Havertz was full of praise for the goalkeeper after the match, insisting Raya’s contributions over the past two seasons deserve greater recognition. He highlighted how often the shot-stopper has rescued the team and described him as outstanding.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoed those sentiments, calling Raya phenomenal and noting that decisive moments in the Champions League often occur in the penalty areas. He credited the goalkeeper’s key saves for keeping Arsenal alive during tense periods.
What a performance 😮💨
David deservedly picks up the UEFA @ChampionsLeague Player of the Match award 👏 pic.twitter.com/xhGARucVjq
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2026
Raya himself described his early stop from Araujo as a turning point, saying such moments can change games. The Spaniard also expressed confidence in Arsenal’s ambitions, insisting the squad believes they can win the Champions League while maintaining focus on taking each match step by step.
