Havertz strikes late for Arsenal in Lisbon

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner to fire Arsenal to a crucial 1-0 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon. The last-eight rubber looked to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Havertz latched on to Gabriel Martinelli’s ball to deliver a fine finish in the first minute of added time to put Arsenal in control of the contest ahead of next week’s return match at the Emirates.

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Kane and Diaz give Bayern advantage over Real Madrid

Bayern Munich took control of their Champions League quarter-final with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, earning a slender first-leg advantage after a high-tempo contest in the Spanish capital. Vincent Kompany’s side struck just before halftime when ‌Serge Gnabry slipped ⁠a precise pass through for Luis Diaz, who beat the offside trap and fired low past keeper Andriy Lunin in the 41st minute.

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Southampton stun Arsenal to reach FA Cup semis

Arsenal were stung by a late goal from Southampton’s Shea Charles as the Premier League leaders fell to defeat in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The match was Arsenal’s first after their Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, despite Arsenal dominating possession it was Southampton who were the side to create the better chances. They were duly rewarded, with exuberant celebrations breaking out at full-time at St Mary’s.

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Ireland held by North Macedonia in drab draw

The Republic of Ireland were unable to soothe the pain from Prague with victory as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by North Macedonia in their friendly at Aviva Stadium. If the penalty shootout in Czechia last Thursday had gone the Boys in Green’s way, this would have been a play-off decider with a World Cup spot at stake. Instead Ireland and their visitors were left to battle it out in a fixture with nothing to play for.

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Irish heartache as Czechia win shootout ending World Cup dreams

Jan Kliment fired Czechia to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a showdown with Denmark. Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in Prague and again lead in the shootout but missed kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne mean the long wait for an Irish return to the World Cup finals will continue.

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