Raya urges Arsenal teammates to embrace Champions League chance against Sporting
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has emphasised the importance of making the most of the moment as Arsenal FC prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Sporting CP in Lisbon on Tuesday night, April 7, 2026.
Speaking ahead of the clash on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Spanish goalkeeper believes the squad should relish the closing stretch of the campaign and take full advantage of the opportunity to potentially secure consecutive semi-final appearances in Europe’s elite competition.
Embracing chances
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Following recent setbacks in domestic cup competitions, Raya stressed the need for unity and enjoyment within the squad. He said: “I think we just have to focus on ourselves, enjoy every day, training and playing together, it’s a massive opportunity.”
Despite those disappointments, he highlighted the team’s strong standing in the Premier League and their chance to bounce back on the European stage.
“We are in a really, really good position, especially in the Premier League, and obviously we have an opportunity tonight to win, and then we’ll see what happens. But the most important thing is to enjoy being together and enjoy being out there playing football because if you don’t enjoy it, it’s not worth it,” he added.
Arsenal head into the tie with confidence, having recorded a dominant 5-1 victory in Lisbon last season against a Sporting side that included Viktor Gyokeres. The forward, who previously starred in Portugal, is expected to be highly motivated facing his former club.
Raya acknowledged that emotional edge, saying: “I think so, I think it gives you that extra motivation if you want to say it like this, going back to your old club and where you have developed as a player and as a person. So, he’ll be able to play and score goals, so let’s hope he can score a few.”
He also warned that the encounter will be far from easy, pointing to Sporting’s formidable home form. “We know it’s going to be very, very tough. I think Sporting’s record at home is really, really good. We expect a big battle, two teams that want the ball and they want to attack, so we are ready for it, but we know it’s going to be a tough battle.”
Important figure
Since joining from Brentford FC in 2023, Raya has become a vital figure for Arsenal, making over 130 appearances. His role extends beyond shot-stopping, as he is heavily involved in initiating attacking play from the back.
Reflecting on his responsibilities, he explained: “I am the last line of defence and the first line of attack,” before adding, “So I try to apply what the boss wants me to do with the ball and without the ball, trying to find those advantages to carry the ball to the other goal.”
Raya further outlined the team’s playing philosophy and his comfort within it: “So basically what we try to do is, from the back, we try to score, and that’s the way we play and I feel very, very confident to play this way and I really, really enjoy it. I feel like I’ve been enjoying this football since I came here and taking that responsibility to help the team to win games.” He said.
Away from Sporting vs Arsenal, Real Madrid will also face Bayern in another UCL blockbuster on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
