Eze’s Screamer, Saliba’s Wall: Arsenal Edge Leverkusen To Book Dream Quarter-Final

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Arsenal have booked their place in the Champions League quarter‑finals after edging Bayer Leverkusen 3–1 on aggregate, capped by a thunderbolt from Eberechi Eze at the Emirates.

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Match overview​

Arsenal drew 1–1 away in Germany in the first leg before sealing a 1–0 win in London, earning a 3–1 aggregate victory over Leverkusen. Mikel Arteta’s side are now into the last eight, where they will face the winner of Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt.

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First leg in Germany​

The tie opened with a tense first leg at the BayArena, where Leverkusen’s aggressive pressing unsettled Arsenal early on. The hosts struck first, but Kai Havertz rescued the Gunners with a last‑gasp equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw and a precious away goal.

Suggested first‑leg highlights on YouTube: search for “Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen 1‑1 highlights UCL 2026” or use a clip such as this fan‑uploaded highlight reel:

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Second leg at the Emirates​

Back in North London, Arsenal produced a controlled 1–0 victory built on defensive discipline and a single moment of attacking brilliance. Eberechi Eze delivered the decisive strike in the 36th minute, smashing a bouncing ball from outside the area into the top corner to send the Emirates into raptures.

Official‑style second‑leg highlights: a popular highlight package is here – Arsenal 1–0 Bayer Leverkusen (2–1 Agg) | Eze Screamer Sends Gunners Through:

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Key moments and turning points​

• Eze’s wonder goal
  The standout moment of the tie was Eze’s first‑half rocket at the Emirates, a controlled yet vicious strike that flew beyond Blaswich and in off the woodwork. It was his first Champions League goal for Arsenal, instantly cementing him as a knockout‑stage hero.
• Saliba–Gabriel shut the door
  Over both legs, William Saliba and Gabriel were immense, repeatedly cutting out Leverkusen counters and dominating aerially. Their partnership ensured that, despite Leverkusen pressure in the second half in London, David Raya was rarely seriously exposed.
• Leverkusen’s missed opportunities
  Christian Kofane caused problems in the first leg and forced Arsenal’s back line into several desperate interventions. But across 180 minutes, the German side lacked the ruthless finishing needed to punish a top‑tier defence.
• Arteta’s in‑game management
  Arteta trusted his structure, making pragmatic changes late on to lock the game down and manage players’ minutes with a domestic cup final looming. Arsenal’s control without over‑committing bodies forward typified their evolution into a more mature European side.

 

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Standout performers​

• Eberechi Eze – match‑winner with a long‑range screamer, constantly drifting into dangerous pockets between the lines.
• William Saliba & Gabriel – a commanding centre‑back duo that neutralised Leverkusen’s direct threat and crosses.
• Bukayo Saka – not at his most explosive, but drew fouls, stretched the defence, and created overloads on the right.
• Christian Kofane (Leverkusen) – the visitors’ liveliest outlet, especially in the first leg, but ultimately couldn’t find the decisive goal.

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Arsenal’s next Champions League opponent​

The win sends Arsenal into a favourable quarter‑final bracket, where they will meet either Sporting CP or Bodø/Glimt. Both clubs are seen as less fearsome than European giants like Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are on the opposite side of the draw.

• If Sporting advance, Arsenal will face a technically sharp, possession‑oriented side that knows European football and can hurt teams on set pieces and transitions.
• If Bodø/Glimt complete the fairytale, Arsenal will have to contend with a fearless, high‑intensity team used to punching above its weight on cold European nights.

Either way, the route to Budapest looks as open as it has in years for Mikel Arteta and his players, with potential semifinal clashes looming against the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle United, or Atlético Madrid.