Arsenal defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on March 17, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners advanced 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the BayArena.
The hosts dominated early possession but struggled to break down Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. Then, in the 36th minute, midfielder Eberechi Eze received a clipped pass from forward Leandro Trossard. Eze cushioned the ball with his left foot, spun inside and unleashed a ferocious half-volley from 25 yards.
The rocket flew into the top left corner. Blaswich could not reach it. Arsenal led 1-0 on the night and took a 2-1 aggregate advantage. Eze pointed to the Arsenal badge as he celebrated his first Champions League goal.
Arsenal kept pushing forward after the opener. In the 63rd minute, midfielder Declan Rice gathered a loose ball inside the box and curled a composed finish into the bottom right corner.
The goal made the score 2-0 on the night and ended any doubt. Leverkusen created few clear chances while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made one key save to deny a late reply.
The victory sent Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals for a third straight season. Midfielder Eberechi Eze earned praise for his moment of magic that shifted the tie. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fielded a strong side that controlled the match after the first goal. The Gunners now prepare to face Sporting Lisbon in the next round.
