Sporting CP ace hails 'extraordinary' Arsenal star after Champions League tie

Arsenal held Sporting CP to a goalless draw in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, with goalkeeper David Raya key to the Gunners progressing to the semi-finals

Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder Daniel Braganca singled out the exceptional David Raya for special mention following the goalkeeper's vital display that denied the Portuguese side at the Emirates.

Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg ended scoreless, with Arsenal advancing courtesy of Kai Havertz's strike from the opening encounter.

The match itself was lacking in genuine opportunities. Arsenal depended upon their defensive resilience but were unable to convert their superiority into goals before their home support.

Sporting posed a threat on multiple occasions, going nearest when Geny Catamo's attempt struck the woodwork following a home side error.

The Lions fashioned additional chances against a lacklustre Arsenal outfit, who appeared subdued following their shaky display against Bournemouth the previous weekend.

Braganca was unable to conceal his frustration at the squandered chances, 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."

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Meanwhile, his colleague 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 immense pride in his players and their European campaign.

"The word pride is the right one to talk about the team," he said. "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."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, conceded that his side needed to be sharper in front of goal, 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."