Arsenal secure Champions League semi-final berth despite second-leg goalless stalemate with Sporting CP

Arsenal and Sporting CP battled to a goalless draw in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

The Gunners went into the game with a 1-0 lead and held on to their advantage on a nervy night at the Emirates Stadium.

The visitors appealed for a penalty after 14 minutes when Geny Catamo went down in the area under the challenge of Piero Hincapie, but referee Francois Letexier waved away the appeals.

Viktor Gyokeres set his sights on goal at the other end, but his long-range effort flew over the bar. Goncalo Inacio then made a last-ditch block to deny another chance for the Swede.

Sporting nearly took advantage of David Raya’s error when his misplaced pass was picked off by Pedro Goncalves, but his attempted through ball to Trincao failed to find its target.

Geny Catamo came close to putting the Lions ahead as he met Maximilliano Araujo’s cross with a volley at the back post, but his effort rattled the outside of the post.

Araujo came close to breaking the deadlock after the break, but his effort drifted wide of the far post. Eberechi Eze then fired over from range at the other end.

Gabriel Martinelli dragged his volley just wide before Noni Madueke struck the side netting from a promising position.

The visitors had another penalty shout after Cristhian Mosquera nudged Araujo in the back as he moved to meet Catamo’s cross, but the referee once again waved play on.

Leandro Trossard almost fired the Gunners ahead in the 83rd minute after he met Max Dowman’s corner, but his header struck the post.

Joao Simoes could’ve given Sporting the lead late in the game, but he dragged his effort narrowly wide.

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.