Arsenal reached the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory as Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice struck decisive goals.
After Leverkusen had forced a 1-1 draw in the first leg via a late Kai Havertz penalty, Arsenal controlled this tie at home. Eze opened the scoring in the first half, taking a Leandro Trossard pass on his chest and rifling a superb finish from outside the box — his fourth goal in seven matches. Rice made sure of the tie after the hour mark, intercepting a clearance, driving forward and placing a calm finish into the corner.
Janis Blaswich kept Leverkusen in the contest with a superb display, making 10 saves as Arsenal laid siege to his goal. Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Ben White—whose first-half close-range effort was also kept out—were among those denied. The visitors’ best late chance saw David Raya produce an acrobatic, one-handed stop to keep the clean sheet intact.
The win sets up a quarter-final against Sporting CP, who earlier recovered from a three-goal deficit to defeat Bodo/Glimt 5-3 on aggregate. Arsenal now face a congested run of fixtures, including Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and several important domestic matches.
Eze appeared to pick up a knock before he was substituted but played down any concern, saying he expected to be fine for forthcoming games.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the team’s start and overall control, noting they threatened from many angles and that the goalkeeper kept Leverkusen in the game until Eze produced a moment of magic. He also warned that Leverkusen remain dangerous on transitions and highlighted Eze’s growing rhythm, understanding with teammates and increased minutes as reasons for his influence around the box.
Analysis
Arsenal’s performance highlighted both attacking potency and defensive organisation. The victory marked their 25th clean sheet of the season from 49 matches — an impressive defensive return. Centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba anchored the backline, winning key duels and limiting clear opportunities for Leverkusen. Declan Rice was described by Arteta as ‘immense’, while Piero Hincapie also turned in a solid outing against his parent club. Arsenal’s collective work out of possession was crucial in controlling the tie.
Notable stats and milestones
– Arsenal have reached the Champions League quarter-finals for a third consecutive season, only the second time in the club’s history this has happened (previously from 2007/08 to 2009/10).
– They had 12 shots on target, their joint-most in a UCL knockout match since 2003/04 (also 12 vs Porto, March 2010).
– Eberechi Eze became the second English player to score for Arsenal in the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season, after Theo Walcott (2012/13).
Knockout stage dates
– Quarter-finals: April 7-8 and April 14-15
– Semi-finals: April 28-29 and May 5-6
– Final: May 30 (Puskas Arena, Budapest)
Arsenal’s April schedule (subject to change)
– April 4: Southampton (A), FA Cup quarter-final, 8pm
– April 7/8: Sporting CP (A), Champions League quarter-final, kick-off TBC
– April 11: Bournemouth (H), Premier League, 12.30pm*
– April 14: Sporting CP (H), Champions League quarter-final second leg, kick-off TBC
– April 19: Manchester City (A), Premier League, 4.30pm (live on Sky Sports)
*Subject to change