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World's Best? Raya Steals Show in Lisbon

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David Raya
David Raya's stellar saves and Kai Havertz's late winner

David Raya's heroics earn Arsenal 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in UCL quarterfinal. Kai Havertz praises 'world's best' David Raya after Champions League win.


Arsenal beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in UCL quarterfinal thanks to David Raya's heroics and Kai Havertz's late winner...


Kai Havertz praised teammate David Raya, calling him the 'best goalkeeper in the world'. Raya's trio of crucial saves helped Arsenal edge Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the UCL quarterfinal.


Havertz's comments came after Raya's heroics kept Arsenal in the game, setting up a tense second leg at the Emirates.


Raya was immense. He tipped Maxi Araujo's drive onto the crossbar, blocked Geny Catamo's low shot, and parried another Catamo effort late on.


Arsenal weren't at their best, but Raya's heroics proved crucial. His standout display helped them snap a two-game losing streak, thanks to a late Kai Havertz winner.


Kai Havertz scored a late winner, converting a pass from Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time, putting Arsenal in a strong position to advance to the semis. They host Sporting in the second leg on April 15.






Raya's deputy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, had a rough time at Wembley, making a costly mistake that led to City's opener. Contrast that with Raya's stellar performance in Lisbon – the former Brentford star was immense.


“Unbelievable. I think still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world,” Havertz said.


“He's outstanding, he's saved us so many times and we're very glad to have him.”



Mikel Arteta Praises David Raya

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta lauded David Raya's performance, calling him “phenomenal” after the goalkeeper's Champions League heroics against Sporting Lisbon.


“At the moment, he's phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him,” he said.


“He had two moments where he made two big saves. And that's the Champions League, the Champions League is always decided in the boxes and because there's so much quality here.”


Raya believes his save from Araujo's drive was a turning point. “It kept us afloat in a difficult period,” he said, crediting the stop for helping Arsenal stay in the game.


“I think that's a turning moment. It was a quick transition from them, a great strike, but I managed to get a fingertip to it to hit the bar. It's one of those moments that can change games,” he said.


“It's something that I'm there for. I'm trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball.


“You have to be focused no matter what you're doing, whether you're touching the ball or not. So delighted with myself and, of course, the win.”


Arsenal's recent form had people questioning their mentality. But the Premier League leaders are still chasing a first English title in 22 years.




They're also gunning for their first-ever Champions League crown. Despite some wobbles, they're refusing to give up on their season.


“We believe 100% that we can win the Champions League. We go game by game and show what we can do,” Raya said.


“We just have to focus on the present, that's the most important thing, but of course, we have full belief.


“We've come from two losses, learn from those moments, that pain when you lose a game.


“Use that pain in the belly to go out there and express yourself, be yourself and try to be better every single day. That's the main message we have to send out there.”



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