Arsenal closes out Leverkusen
Arsenal beat Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 on the night to win the tie 3–1 on aggregate and advance from the Champions League Round of 16. (x.com) The clean-sheet night capped a composed performance that keeps Arsenal in the competition’s business end. (x.com)
Eberechi Eze produced a 20-yard right‑footed screamer — his first-ever Champions League goal — in the 35th minute at the Emirates, a strike the club’s report said left the goalkeeper “grasping at thin air.” (arsenal.com) Declan Rice added a second with a low long‑range finish in the 62nd minute to increase the pressure on Leverkusen after the interval. (arsenal.com) Arsenal are drawn to face Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals, marking the Gunners’ third straight season reaching this stage of the competition. (arsenal.com) The match report recorded 12 shots and seven on target in the first half for Arsenal, while Leverkusen’s keeper Jani Blaswich was described as “by far the busiest player on the pitch.” (arsenal.com) Mikel Arteta singled out Eze as “outstanding” and Rice as “immense” in post‑match comments published on the club website. (arsenal.com) The game was played at the Emirates Stadium on March 17, 2026, with Arsenal’s starting XI listed on match pages that show Aaron Raya in goal alongside defenders Ben White and Gabriel. (arsenal.com)
