Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting in Lisbon has given them the upper hand in their Champions League quarter-final tie, but there is still much work to be done when the two teams meet again at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. Portuguese coach Pepa, who has extensive experience at the top level in his home country and in Brazil, analyzes the key tactical aspects of the first match and explains why Rui Borges' Sporting side could still spring a surprise in the second leg. The encounter between Sporting and Arsenal at Alvalade was a highly competitive and intense game between two excellent teams, with few clear-cut scoring opportunities but many intriguing tactical and technical nuances. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League and boasting an impressive Champions League campaign with 10 wins and a draw from their 11 matches, demonstrated their ability to maintain structural compactness in a 4-4-2 shape without the ball, effectively closing down central spaces.
They also showcased their recognition of pressing triggers, often resulting in near man-oriented pressing behaviors, thanks to their physically strong players who can recover the ball high up the pitch. Arsenal recorded 19 defensive actions in the opponent's half, while Sporting managed seven, highlighting the significant difference between the two teams. In possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear danger despite having slightly more possession.
Some notable aspects of their play include the fluid role of Riccardo Calafiori, who starts as a left-back but moves into central areas and even into finishing zones, as well as the quality of their three midfielders - Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard - and their ability to escape pressure to receive and connect play. Noni Madueke's one-on-one ability was also a key aspect, as he was frequently targeted. It is also worth mentioning Arsenal's impressive offensive set-pieces, being the best team in Europe in attacking corners.
At Alvalade, they had four corners, did not score, but hit the crossbar once. As for Sporting, considering the quality of the opponent, they delivered a very positive performance. Their experiences this season in the Champions League, facing top opponents such as Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, have allowed them to approach these types of matches with greater confidence and maturity. From a defensive standpoint, Sporting presented a dynamic structure they have used in several matches, alternating between a 4-4-2 mid-block and a 5-4-1 in a lower block, with Geny dropping into the back five.
This behavior is already well assimilated by the team and, combined with strong character and a tremendous competitive spirit, allowed them to neutralize the opponent's intentions, except for the goal conceded. Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araujo's performances in Sporting's defensive sector were particularly noteworthy, although Maxi needs to show more caution in the number of fouls committed, especially considering the areas where they occur. In possession, Sporting faced difficulties in their build-up, with some errors, particularly from Goncalo Inacio, but mainly due to the strong pressure applied by Arsenal. Against the opponent's defensive organization, Sporting managed to create problems mainly through the wide areas, with Maxi on the left and Geny Catamo on the right.
Sporting will have to remain true to themselves, imposing their strengths and being even more focused, consistent, and effective than in the first match, knowing that the difficulties will be even greater. They played the first leg in a completely favorable environment, supported by their fans, and will now play away from home and, above all, with a negative first result. However, this Sporting team has surpassed themselves more than once, and belief will be very strong after the first match, despite all the difficulties.
The recovery of injured players, such as Morten Hjulmand, who returns after suspension, and Quenda, will be crucial for the match. Set-pieces will also be important, as Sporting are the fourth best team in Europe in attacking corners, which could be a decisive moment in the match.