Eze and Rice fire Arsenal past Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate to reach UCL quarter-finals, setting up clash with Sporting after dominant display.
Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a controlled win over Bayer Leverkusen. The hosts claimed a 2-0 victory on the night to seal a 3-1 aggregate success. It was a composed display that underlined their growing maturity in Europe.
Arsenal started brightly and pinned Bayer Leverkusen deep from the outset. Early chances fell to Gabriel and Leandro Trossard, but Janis Blaswich stood firm in goal. The Leverkusen keeper produced a string of saves to keep the tie level. Despite the pressure, Arsenal remained patient and continued to probe. Their persistence eventually paid off late in the first half.
Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a stunning effort. He controlled Trossard’s pass, turned sharply, and fired into the top corner. It was his first Champions League goal and a moment of real quality. The strike gave Arsenal a deserved lead on the night and on aggregate. It also lifted the Emirates crowd as the hosts tightened control.
Arsenal maintained their intensity after the break and continued to dictate play. Declan Rice doubled the lead in the 63rd minute. He reacted quickly to a loose clearance and calmly placed his finish into the corner. The goal effectively ended Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback. Arsenal then managed the game well, keeping possession and limiting risks.
Eze’s opener was the defining moment of the first half and showcased his growing confidence. Rice delivered another commanding midfield display, capped by his composed finish. Bukayo Saka remained a constant threat, creating chances and testing the goalkeeper. At the back, Arsenal stayed organised and rarely looked troubled. David Raya ensured the clean sheet with a strong late save.
Arsenal’s dominance was reflected in the numbers throughout the match. They registered 21 shots and generated around 1.75 expected goals. In contrast, Leverkusen managed just nine attempts and 0.52 xG. Saka led the way creatively with five chances created. Rice also impressed defensively, winning most of his duels in midfield.
Arsenal will face Sporting in the quarter-finals after the Portuguese side’s dramatic comeback win. Before that, they turn their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. Leverkusen return to Bundesliga action with a match against Heidenheim. For Arsenal, momentum continues to build as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
