Kai Havertz secured a dramatic late winner during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon on Tuesday, but he was quick to acknowledge the contribution of his teammate who set up the goal.
Gabriel Martinelli, who entered the match as a substitute with the score still at 0-0 in the second half, delivered an exceptional pass that enabled Havertz to score. This marked the eighth goal in the Champions League this season that has been scored by a substitute, providing a slim advantage as the team prepares for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week. Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal FC LIVE: Champions League result, latest updates and fan reaction
“I’ve said that about 80 per cent of the goal goes to him,” Havertz remarked after the match. “I was there to finish it off, but it was a top assist from him. I saw him, and he just played the perfect pass, and it was a good goal.”
Havertz also commended the performance of David Raya, who was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet and was named player of the match.
“He’s unbelievable – I still think people underestimate him in the football world, but for the last two years, I don’t know, maybe he’s been the best ‚keeper in the world, and we’re all glad to have him here,” he stated.
This victory served as an ideal response following two consecutive defeats and sets the stage for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth this weekend.
“Yeah, I think we needed that as we were all frustrated with how the last couple of weeks went,” Havertz continued. “But it’s time to move forward, it’s time to be positive, and it’s time to all stick together as a group – as players, staff, fans, we’re all in this together, and we still can make something happen this year. It can be something very special, that’s what we’re going to go for, and now it’s time to win games.”
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Nelson Ndongala auf Unsplash
