“I’m alright, I’ll be ok,” said Eberechi Eze after scoring his first goal in the Champions League, helping Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium. This win allowed Arsenal to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate score.
Arsenal’s performance was marked by a strong start, as noted by manager Mikel Arteta, who stated, “I think we started the game so well. I think we were a threat from every angle.” The Gunners dominated the match, showcasing their attacking prowess with 12 shots on target, which is their joint-most on record in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage match.
Declan Rice added to the scoreline with the second goal, further solidifying Arsenal’s position in the match. Janis Blaswich, the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper, made an impressive 10 saves, keeping his team in the game for much of the match. Arteta acknowledged Blaswich’s efforts, saying, “The ‘keeper maintained them in the game, I think, and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to score a wonderful goal.”
Eze’s goal not only marked a significant personal achievement but also made him the second English player to score for Arsenal in the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season, following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott in the 2012/13 season.
With this victory, Arsenal has reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive season, a testament to their growing stature in European football. Arteta expressed confidence in his team’s performance, stating, “But overall, I think we fully deserve to be in the quarter-finals.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, as they continue their pursuit of European glory. The team’s current form, combined with their defensive solidity—evidenced by 25 clean sheets this season—positions them as strong contenders in the tournament.
As the Champions League progresses, fans will be eager to see how Arsenal builds on this momentum and whether they can capitalize on their recent successes. The next match against Sporting CP will be crucial in determining their path forward in the competition.