Arsenal Knocks Bayer Leverkusen Out of Champions League with 2-0 Win

Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League campaign ended in the round of 16 as they were defeated 2-0 by Arsenal in the second leg, following a 1-1 draw in the first match. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with a stunning 20-meter strike in the 36th minute, which Bayer Leverkusen's goalkeeper Janis Blaswich could not stop despite a strong overall performance with several key saves. Leverkusen struggled offensively, managing just two shots on goal, while Arsenal's goalkeeper faced little pressure. Declan Rice sealed Arsenal's victory with a second goal in the 63rd minute after capitalizing on a mistake by Leverkusen's Grimaldo. This defeat marked the first time since 2002 that Leverkusen failed to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. After the match, Blaswich acknowledged the team's difficulties against Arsenal's aggressive pressing but highlighted the need to take positives from the experience. Arsenal will next face Sporting Lisbon in the quarter-finals, continuing their pursuit of Champions League glory.