Sporting CP star picks out Arsenal player who was 'extraordinary' in Champions League clash

Arsenal qualified for the Champions League semi‑final after carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and they will now face Bayern Munich, who beat Real Madrid in dramatic fashion

Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder Daniel Braganca picked out the outstanding David Raya for praise after the goalkeeper's crucial performance kept the visitors from scoring against Arsenal at the Emirates. Wednesday's Champions League quarter‑final second leg finished goalless, with Arsenal progressing thanks to Kai Havertz's strike in the first leg.

The game itself was short on clear chances. Arsenal relied on their defensive solidity but couldn't turn their dominance into goals in front of their fans. Sporting threatened on several occasions, coming closest when Geny Catamo's effort cannoned off the post after the hosts gave the ball away.

The Lions created further openings against an uninspired Arsenal side, who looked flat after wobbling against Bournemouth last weekend.

Braganca couldn't hide his disappointment at the missed opportunities, telling Portuguese channel Sport TV afterwards: "Getting eliminated for what we did hurts. It leaves a bitter taste after the game, because we could have scored and revived the tie. They also had opportunities, but Arsenal has an extraordinary goalkeeper who makes goal seem small."

Meanwhile, his teammate Goncalo Inacio added: "It's an unfortunate result in a tie that was marked by the goal in the 90th minute [of the first leg], a possible mistake. We tried to go through and win. Sporting is a team that likes to compete with the best. We have to have this mentality."

Lions boss Rui Borges, meanwhile, expressed pride in his players and their European journey. "The word pride is the right one to talk about the team," he told the press.

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"For everything we have done in these two games, I think we deserved more and at least extra-time tonight. In both games, the best chances came from Sporting.

"The character and personality that we had against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic. The word pride is right to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength, and quality they have shown throughout the season.

"Of course, today it has more impact because it's the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta acknowledged his team should have been more clinical at times, saying: "It does [performances matter] and you have to be better than the opponent. I think we have many periods in the game that we were there, we didn't score the goal, we didn't finalise the action well enough.

"We had many other things that are very important to get the result that you need in that time. At this moment, it's all about the way you compete, and when you go on to win titles, that's what's going to define the moment, and we certainly learned that tonight."