Stunning strike by Eberechi Eze inspires Gunners to 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal have advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals after a commanding 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 second leg at the Emirates Stadium, completing a 3-1 aggregate win.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with a sensational long-range strike late in the first half, while Declan Rice added a composed finish after the interval to seal the victory.
Arsenal had scraped a 1-1 draw in the first leg thanks to a late penalty from Kai Havertz, but the rematch saw Mikel Arteta’s side dominate, producing eye-catching football that contrasted with their reputation for scrappy wins this season.
The Gunners will face Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals after the Portuguese side overturned a three-goal first leg deficit to defeat Bodo/Glimt 5-3 on aggregate. Arsenal had already defeated Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon during the group stage last season.
Arsenal’s momentum continues as they chase a historic quadruple. The Gunners are nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, prepare to face City in the League Cup final, and will meet Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
From the first whistle, Arsenal’s relentless pressing tested Leverkusen’s defence. Gabriel Magalhaes missed a header from Bukayo Saka’s corner, while Leandro Trossard forced multiple saves from Janis Blaswich. Arsenal’s attacking intelligence and pace repeatedly tore through Leverkusen, culminating in Eze’s stunning strike in the 36th minute.
Rice added the second goal in the 63rd minute after stealing possession deep in Leverkusen’s half and finishing clinically at the edge of the area, marking his first Champions League goal this season.
The victory highlights Arsenal’s growing dominance in Europe this season and sets up an exciting clash with Sporting Lisbon in the next round, as the Gunners aim for their first Champions League triumph since losing the 2006 final to Barcelona.
