Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium. The result, combined with a 1-0 victory in the first leg, was enough for the Gunners to advance, setting up a last-four clash with Atletico Madrid.
Sporting came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when a Geny Catamo effort cannoned off the post after an Arsenal giveaway. The visitors also had strong penalty appeals turned down on 65 minutes when Christian Mosquera appeared to push Maximiliano Araujo in the back, but the referee waved play on.
Arsenal had opportunities of their own, with substitute Leandro Trossard seeing a late header come off the woodwork. However, the Premier League leaders were largely content to manage the game, knowing that a draw sufficed. The performance was nervy at times, with David Raya occasionally caught in possession, reflecting the pressure on a side now experiencing a six-year trophy drought.
The victory eases recent scrutiny on manager Mikel Arteta, who had faced questions after a run of poor results. Arsenal are the only Premier League team remaining in the competition and will face an Atletico side that eliminated Barcelona. Despite their recent dip in form, memories of a dominant 4-0 win over Atletico last season offer encouragement.
