Arsenal’s quadruple hopes remain alive
Arsenal 2 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen (Arsenal won 3-1 on aggregate)
It was a relatively straightforward night for Arsenal as their quadruple dreams stay alive.
Author | DJ
Stadium | Emirates Stadium
Goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice guided Arsenal to a comfortable win over Bayer Leverkusen, as the Gunners booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
They will face Sporting in the last eight after the Portuguese side produced a remarkable turnaround, overturning a three-goal deficit to score five against Bodo/Glimt.
Arsenal began the tie level on aggregate with the German side, following Kai Havertz’s late penalty in last week’s 1-1 draw, and ensured Leverkusen never settled during a dominant first half.
Gabriel twice threatened from Arsenal’s trademark corners, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich produced a pair of fine saves to keep the score level.
He was left with no chance for the opening goal, however, as Eze controlled the ball on the edge of the area, turned sharply and fired high into the net for his first Champions League goal.
Arsenal maintained their momentum after the interval, and Rice effectively settled the tie when he reacted to a loose clearance and guided a composed finish into the bottom corner.
With the result secure, Mikel Arteta was able to rest several key players ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
A performance of champions
Tim Stellman, an Arsenal fan and season ticket holder, told us: "I think that was the performance of champions. Superb from us."
Jamie added: "I'm starting to get very giddy now."
