Arsenal secured a place in the Champions League quarter‑finals with a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The Arteta side displayed a convincing performance, leaving few chances for the visitors. From the outset Arsenal dominated the first half, creating numerous opportunities. In the 36th minute Eberechi Eze scored a dream goal, firing the ball from the turn into the left corner.
The Gunners eased back slightly in the second half, but remained dangerous through counter‑attacks. Leverkusen tried to increase the pressure, yet Arsenal’s defence held firm. In the 63rd minute Declan Rice capitalised on a defensive mistake by Leverkusen and extended the lead to 2-0. Even with plenty of possession in the final 20 minutes, Bayer could not bridge the gap.
Leverkusen had a few promising chances, but were repeatedly thwarted by the strong London defence and the well‑positioned goalkeeper David Raya. Hjulmand’s substitutions failed to spark the desired turnaround, and the side ultimately had to accept defeat.
Arsenal now faces Sporting Lisbon in the quarter‑finals and will go into the next round with great confidence. Leverkusen, meanwhile, must focus on the Bundesliga if they hope to return to the Champions League next season.
