Arsenal won 2-0 against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League Round of 16, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory. Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal, followed by a second goal from Declan Rice, ensuring their progression to the quarter-finals.
The match took place at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 17, 2026, and was streamed on Paramount+. Arsenal had finished first in the League Phase table, which allowed them to host the decisive second leg after the first match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Prior to this match, Bayer Leverkusen had been struggling, going winless in their last six matches. They had conceded only one goal in their previous 14 matches, showcasing a strong defensive record, but were unable to replicate that form against Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was unavailable due to a minor issue, and Martin Ødegaard was also missing as he worked to recover for the upcoming Carabao Cup final. Leverkusen faced their own challenges, with several players, including Mark Flekken and Arthur, sidelined for the match.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance, they were nearly caught off guard early on, as Mikel Arteta noted in his post-match comments. “I warned my side not to get caught out and they got caught out anyway,” he said, reflecting on the tense moments of the game.
Observers had high expectations for Arsenal, with one stating, “The expectation is at least another semifinal berth, if not a trip to the final.” This sentiment underscores the ambition surrounding the club as they advance in the tournament.
Arsenal will now face Sporting in the quarter-finals, looking to build on their recent success. The team is eager to continue their strong performance in the Champions League as they aim for further glory.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Arsenal navigates the challenges ahead. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential injuries or player availability for the next match.