Sporting CP vs Arsenal LIVE: Confirmed lineups for the 2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals first leg

Sporting CP and Arsenal kick off the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie in Lisbon with lineups confirmed and the venue set up. Stay locked in for every goal, tactical shift, and major moment with our live matchday blog.

Updated on April 07, 2026 02:29PM EDT

**© Gualter Fatia and Justin Setterfield/Getty Images**Luis Suarez of Sporting CP and Victor Gyokeres of Arsenal.

Sporting CP and Arsenal are set to square off today in a high-stakes Champions League quarterfinal first leg, with lineups confirmed and the venue set up. With a spot in the final four on the line, both sides are looking to draw first blood in Lisbon before the tie heads back to London for the decisive second leg.

Mikel Arteta and Rui Borges both boast remarkably healthy squads, with nearly full-strength rosters available for selection. As the Gunners look to assert their European dominance and Sporting aim to continue their “giant-killer” run, all eyes will be on how these two tactical heavyweights trade blows in the opening 90 minutes.

Follow every goal, key moment, and live highlight of this massive Champions League matchup right here with Bolavip US.

02:30PM

Both teams doing warm up activities

Players for both sides have taken the field for warmups at the Jose Alvalade stadium!

02:20PM

Today's venue

All eyes turn to Lisbon tonight as Sporting CP prepare to host Arsenal in the first leg of a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. The clash will unfold at the iconic Jose Alvalade Stadium, a venue steeped in European football lore.

Since opening its doors for Euro 2004, the Alvalade has served as a theater for some of the sport’s most significant moments. From hosting a UEFA Cup Final to serving as a primary battleground for the Portuguese National Team’s World Cup qualifying campaigns, the 50,000-seat stadium is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere and rich history.

02:00PM

Sporting CP confirmed lineup

Sporting CP's starting XI: Rui Silva; Ivan Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Maximiliano Araujo; Hidemasa Morita, Joao Simoes, Geny Catamo, Trincao; Luis Javier Suarez, Pedro Goncalves

01:50PM

Arsenal confirmed lineup

Arsenal's starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard.

🔵 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴

🧤 Raya starts in goal
🧱 Gabriel makes 250th appearance
⚡️ Trossard out wide

Let’s do this, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2026

01:40PM

Referees for today's matchup

Daniel Siebert has been appointed to officiate the clash between Sporting CP and Arsenal. He will be joined on the field by Jan Siedel and Rafael Foltyn, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.

Full officiating team:

Referee: Daniel Siebert - Germany
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel - Germany
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn - Germany
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager - Germany
VAR: Bastian Dankert - Germany
Assistant VAR: Soren Storks - Germany

01:20PM

Start time and how to watch

Sporting CP vs Arsenal will get underway at 3:00 PM ET (PT: 12:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP and Arsenal live in the USA on Paramount + or VIX.

01:00PM

Sporting CP and Arsenal clash in Champions League

Welcome to our live blog of the UEFA Champions League clash!

Sporting CP face Arsenal in Lisbon, in a crucial clash as both teams aim to have the advantage for the second leg game. Sporting CP look to win at home, while Arsenal arrive hoping to get a positive result.

Stay with us for key updates and minute-by-minute action as Sporting CP and Arsenal battle it out in Lisbon!

Santiago Tovar

Santiago Tovar is a bilingual sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in 2024. With over seven years of experience, he has covered a diverse range of sports, including soccer, NFL, NBA, tennis, and Formula 1. Santiago has provided real-time coverage of major events such as the 2021 Women's Copa America, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and the Davis Cup qualifiers. Before joining Bolavip US, he worked at Kienyke.com and Redmas.com.co, where he developed strategies to highlight key sports moments across websites and social media platforms.