In the first leg in Germany, Arsenal delivered a lackluster performance, relying on a controversial penalty from Kai Havertz to secure a 1-1 draw. However, returning to their Emirates stronghold, Mikel Arteta's squad showcased a completely different demeanor: sharp, proactive, and resilient.

Arsenal maintained only 42% possession but managed 21 shots, with 12 on target—significantly more than Leverkusen's 9 shots and 2 on target. The Gunners did not relentlessly press but accelerated at opportune moments, creating clear chances while limiting their opponent's space, stifling counter-attack opportunities.

Eberechi Eze scored the opening goal in Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16 second leg at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 17/3. *Photo: Arsenal FC, The Guardian*

Declan Rice scored to seal the 2-0 victory. Photo: The Guardian

From kickoff, Arsenal applied continuous pressure. Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka each tested the goalkeeper, though their final touches lacked precision.

The deadlock broke in the 36th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Trossard delivered a one-touch pass to Eberechi Eze, who received the ball with his back to goal. The English midfielder skillfully controlled it with his left foot, spun, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that tore past Janis Blaswich. It was a beautiful goal that relieved pressure for the home side.

With this strike, 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, following Theo Walcott in 2012-2013—a milestone highlighting his growing influence.

In the second half, Arsenal deliberately slowed the tempo but maintained control. Once again, individual brilliance made the difference. In the 63rd minute, Declan Rice surged forward decisively, dispossessing a Leverkusen player before firing a right-footed shot from outside the box. The low strike found the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Janis Blaswich unable to stop the spectacular goal.

With the lead extended, coach Mikel Arteta successively withdrew key players like Martin Zubimendi, Eze, Trossard, and Viktor Gyokeres to conserve energy. For the remainder of the match, Arsenal played cautiously, focusing on their upcoming League Cup final against Man City at Wembley on 22/3.

The final highlight came in the 87th minute when Christian Kofane made a dangerous run and shot from close range. However, David Raya made a spectacular diving save. Despite not being heavily tested, the Spanish goalkeeper demonstrated focus and composure, earning applause from the Emirates crowd.

Concluding both legs with a 3-1 aggregate score, Arsenal secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Sporting—the team that recently caused a stir by winning 5-0 in their second leg to eliminate Bodo/Glimt.

By Hong Duy