Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory (3-1 aggregate) over Bayer Leverkusen to progress in the Champions League, delivering a controlled performance across the 90 minutes.
Mikel Arteta’s side created the better chances and showed composure in key moments. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice proved decisive on the night.
The result keeps Arsenal’s European hopes alive as they continue to build momentum in the competition and encouragement for Sunday’s League Cup final against Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Match highlights
Arsenal started with intent and created early pressure in the final third.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the first half, finishing calmly after a well-worked attacking move. The goal gave Arsenal control and allowed them to dictate the tempo.
Leverkusen saw more of the ball at times but struggled to create clear chances. Arsenal remained organised and limited the visitors to minimal opportunities.
Declan Rice doubled the lead in the second half with a composed finish. His goal effectively secured the result and capped a strong midfield performance.
Arsenal continued to manage the game well in the closing stages and saw out the result without any major issues.
Arsenal player ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen
David Raya – 8/10
Made the saves required and stayed composed in possession. Did not face sustained pressure but handled everything cleanly. Especially with a remarkable save to keep Leverkusen from adding a late consolation goal.
Ben White – 7/10
Provided balance on the right and supported attacks well. Defended his side without issues.
William Saliba – 7/10
Read the game well and dealt with Leverkusen’s forwards comfortably. Another steady display.
Gabriel – 8/10
Dominant in duels and aggressive in defensive situations. Set the tone at the back.
Piero Hincapié – 9/10
Outstanding on the left. Contributed defensively and carried the ball forward with intent. Best performance out of the backline against former club Leverkusen.
Martin Zubimendi – 8/10
Controlled the tempo and kept the midfield ticking. Positioned himself well throughout.
Declan Rice – 9/10
Covered ground effectively and added a goal. Delivered a complete midfield performance.
Bukayo Saka – 7/10
Showed flashes of quality and remained a constant threat. Linked play well in attacking areas.
Eberechi Eze – 10/10
The standout performer. Took his goal well and influenced the game consistently in advanced areas.
Leandro Trossard – 6/10
Worked hard but lacked sharpness in the final third. Struggled to make a decisive impact.
Viktor Gyokeres – 6/10
Battled physically but did not see enough of the ball. Limited influence on the game.
Substitutes
Kai Havertz – 5/10
Did not impact the game after coming on. Struggled to get involved.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
Added energy but lacked end product in the final third.
Cristian Mosquera – 6/10
Settled in quickly and helped maintain defensive structure.
Christian Norgaard – 6/10
Kept things simple and added control late on.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5/10
Was subbed on in the dying minutes to replace Gyokores and keep a balanced defensive display to end the 2nd leg.
