Rui Borges hailed David Raya after Sporting CP’s defeat to Arsenal (UEFA via Getty)Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges hailed David Raya as ‘the best player on the pitch’ after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Kai Havertz’s goal in injury time sealed a late victory for Mikel Arteta’s side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. But the Gunners needed an excellent performance from Raya to keep a clean sheet as the Spaniard made several fine saves to keep Sporting at bay. Raya was named UEFA’s Player of the Match for his display and Borges agrees that the Arsenal goalkeeper was the game’s standout star. Arrow MORE: Thierry Henry makes Arsenal Champions League claim and reveals biggest weaknessArrow MORE: Mikel Arteta told Arsenal are ‘not at the level’ of two Champions League rivalsArrow MORE: Darren Bent tells Mikel Arteta to drop Arsenal star: ‘I don’t want to see him again this season’

Source: Metro April 08, 2026 09:25 UTC