Arsenal progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals after a 2-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory as superb strikes from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice settled the tie.
After needing a late penalty from Kai Havertz to salvage a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Gunners dominated at the Emirates. Eze opened the scoring in the first half, controlling a Leandro Trossard pass and rifling a spectacular finish from outside the box for his fourth goal in seven games. Rice doubled the lead after the hour, cutting out a Leverkusen clearance, driving forward and placing a composed finish into the corner.
Leverkusen’s goalkeeper, Janis Blaswich, kept the scoreline respectable with a total of 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 had one late chance when David Raya produced an acrobatic, one-handed stop from Christian Kofane.
The win sets up a quarter-final tie with Sporting CP, who earlier overturned a three-goal deficit to beat Bodo/Glimt 5-3 on aggregate. Arsenal now head into a packed schedule that includes Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and several key domestic fixtures.
Eze appeared to pick up a knock before being substituted in the second half but downplayed concerns, saying he would be fine for upcoming matches.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s performance: “I think we started the game so well. I think we were a threat from every angle. The ‘keeper maintained them in the game, I think, and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to score a wonderful goal.” He added that the team had periods of domination and warned Leverkusen were a strong side capable of threatening on transitions. On Eze, Arteta highlighted his rhythm and understanding with teammates, noting his increased minutes and consistency this season and the reason behind his influence in and around the box.
Analysis
Arsenal’s display underlined both their attacking quality and defensive solidity. This match marked their 25th clean sheet of the season from 49 games — an outstanding defensive record. Centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba laid the foundation, dominating duels and restricting Leverkusen’s chances. Declan Rice was described by Arteta as “immense,” and Piero Hincapie also put in a solid performance against his parent club. Arsenal’s collective strength out of possession was a key factor in controlling the tie.
Notable stats and milestones
– Arsenal have reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive season — only the second time in their history they have done so (the other run was 2007/08 to 2009/10).
– Arsenal 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).
When are the knockout stages?
– 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