Kai Havertz's stoppage-time goal the difference — but it was the Spanish goalkeeper who stole the headlines.
"Unbelievable," was Havertz's verdict on Raya after the game. "For me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world. He's outstanding, he's saved us so many times and we're very glad to have him."
Raya made five saves on the night, including a stunning early stop to deny Maxi Araujo, tipping a fierce drive on to the crossbar, before holding firm through a late Sporting siege to preserve the lead Havertz handed Arsenal in the 91st minute. It was not a vintage Arsenal display — Martin Zubimendi had a goal disallowed for offside, while Odegaard and Trossard both limped off — but they found a way, as they so often have this season.
The 30-year-old former Brentford goalkeeper has now kept 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions. Tuesday's in Lisbon was his seventh in the Champions League alone — more than any other goalkeeper in the competition.
"Those clean sheets make it easier to win games," Raya said. "It showed tonight — scoring in the last minute and keeping that clean sheet decides these type of games."
The win took on extra significance given the backdrop. Arsenal had lost back-to-back games for the first time this season — the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, in which back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's error gifted City the opener, and the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton. Raya sat out both. His return to the team in Lisbon felt pointed.
Arsenal, nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, host Sporting in the second leg at the Emirates on April 15, favourites to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1983. Raya will be expected to play his part there too.