Kai Havertz praises Arsenal colleague David Raya as the top goalkeeper globally

Raya delivered three crucial saves that maintained a faltering Arsenal's involvement in the match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

The Spanish player deflected Maxi Araujo's powerful shot onto the crossbar, blocked Geny Catamo's close-range attempt, and then produced an excellent denial to push away Catamo's header towards the end of the second half.

Underperforming for much of the contest, Arsenal made the most of Raya's standout effort, which saw him named man of the match, to halt their run of two consecutive defeats.

Havertz slotted home a composed finish from a pass by substitute teammate Gabriel Martinelli during added time, positioning Arsenal as strong contenders to progress to the semi-finals in their upcoming home fixture against Sporting on April 15.

Raya's comeback to the starting lineup proved essential following his absence during Arsenal's League Cup final setback against Manchester City and their humiliating FA Cup quarter-final loss to Championship side Southampton.

Raya's stand-in, Kepa Arrizabalaga, committed an error that contributed to Manchester City's early goal at Wembley, a sharp difference from the ex-Brentford goalkeeper's impressive showing in Lisbon.

"Incredible. He remains underappreciated in football circles, yet over the past two campaigns, he has been the premier goalkeeper worldwide for me," Havertz remarked.

"He is exceptional, rescuing us on numerous occasions, and we are truly fortunate to count him in our ranks."

'He is remarkable'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta supported Havertz's assessment following Raya's seventh clean sheet in the Champions League this term.

"Right now, he is remarkable and exceptional ever since arriving at the club. We feel very fortunate to have him," Arteta commented.

"There were two instances where he pulled off major saves. And that defines the Champions League, where outcomes hinge on actions in the penalty areas amid such high calibre everywhere."

Raya considered his initial save against Araujo as the pivotal shift in the encounter, preventing Arsenal from sinking during a tough phase.

"I believe that marked a key turning point. They transitioned rapidly with a superb shot, but I just got a touch to direct it onto the bar. Such instances can alter the course of matches," he explained.

"That is my role. I aim to support the squad in every possible way, from defensive duties to organising and distribution on the pitch.

"Concentration is vital regardless of involvement with the ball. So I am pleased with my performance and, naturally, the victory."

Arsenal's resilience has faced scrutiny amid their latest inconsistencies.

However, the Premier League frontrunners are still pursuing their initial domestic crown in over two decades and remain contenders for a debut Champions League triumph.

"We hold complete confidence in conquering the Champions League. We approach each fixture step by step and demonstrate our capabilities," Raya stated.

"Staying present is crucial above all, though we possess total conviction.

"After suffering two defeats, we draw lessons from those setbacks and that sense of disappointment from losses.

"Channel that drive into performing freely, authentically, and striving for improvement daily. That is the core principle we aim to convey."