UCL: Arsenal Thrash Sporting 5-1 in Champions League Rout

Arsenal End Sporting's Unbeaten Run with Dominant 5-1 Win

Arsenal added a fifth goal to their tally courtesy of Leandro Trossard...

Arsenal delivered a convincing 5-1 victory over Sporting in the Champions League, ending the hosts' 17-match unbeaten run and moving up to seventh in the table.

Arsenal returned to winning form in the Champions League, dominating Sporting in a convincing victory at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The Gunners took an early lead when Gabriel Martinelli tapped in from close range, connecting with Jurrien Timber's precise low cross. Mikel Arteta's side doubled their advantage with a similar move, as Bukayo Saka burst past the Sporting defence and delivered a pinpoint cross for Kai Havertz to convert from point-blank range.

Gabriel sealed Arsenal's dominance on the stroke of half-time, rising high to power home a header from Declan Rice's corner. The goal marked Gabriel's first in the Champions League, capping off an impressive first-half display by the Gunners.

Sporting's Goncalo Inacio pulled a goal back for the hosts shortly after halftime, scoring with a clever left-footed strike. However, the goal ultimately proved to be a mere consolation for Sporting.

Ousmane Diomande was fortunate to escape a second yellow card after committing a reckless foul on Martin Odegaard, resulting in a penalty for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick and confidently slotted it into the bottom corner.

Arsenal added a fifth goal to their tally courtesy of Leandro Trossard. Mikel Merino's powerful strike from the edge of the area was parried by CP Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel, and Trossard was on hand to head the rebound into an empty net.

The convincing victory propelled Arsenal up to seventh in the Champions League table, with Sporting sitting just behind them in eighth, both teams having accumulated 10 points thus far.

Mikel Arteta's pre-match plea for a statement win in the Champions League was answered in resounding fashion, as Arsenal cruised to a convincing victory over Sporting.

The Gunners made a blistering start, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring their fastest Champions League goal since 2016. Martinelli's strike, timed at six minutes and 43 seconds, set the tone for a dominant display.

Bukayo Saka was instrumental in Arsenal's success, providing the assist for their second goal and later converting a penalty to register his 11th Champions League goal involvement. Saka's fine form on the right wing proved a constant threat to the Sporting defence.

Arsenal's three-goal haul in the first half marked only the second time they have achieved such a feat in an away Champions League match. Their previous instance was a 4-1 win over Galatasaray in 2014.

With the game well in hand, Arteta was able to withdraw key players Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard, as Arsenal coasted to a brilliant away victory. The win marked a welcome return to form for the Gunners, who had gone five away games without a win in the Champions League.

Sporting's previous home match in the Champions League had been a memorable 4-1 triumph over Manchester City under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, they were unable to replicate that performance against Arsenal.

The hosts' remarkable unbeaten run of 17 wins and one draw in all competitions since the start of the season came to a resounding end at the hands of the north London side. Arsenal's dominant display brought Sporting's impressive streak to a halt.

Viktor Gyokeres, who had scored a hat-trick against Manchester City, was left frustrated as he struggled to find a way past the Arsenal defence. The Swedish striker had a few opportunities, including a free-kick that sailed over the bar and a shot from the edge of the area that was well saved by David Raya.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced several outstanding saves to deny Sporting. He tipped over Geovany Quenda's shot, pushed Morten Hjulmand's strike past the post, and made another impressive stop to deny Hjulmand in stoppage time. Raya also palmed away Conrad Harder's effort from the resulting corner.