The Gunners Eye CL Quarter-Finals
Arsenal welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the second leg of their CL Round of 16 clash. The PL leaders were close to defeat in Germany before Kai Havertz scored a late equaliser against his former club, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return match in London.
Analysis
The first leg at the BayArena almost ended in disappointment for Arsenal. Bayer Leverkusen controlled large parts of the game and looked set to secure victory when Robert Andrich headed in from a corner.
However, Mikel Arteta’s substitutions changed the momentum late on. Noni Madueke replaced Bukayo Saka and quickly earned a penalty that Kai Havertz converted to level the match.
That goal ensured Arsenal remain favourites to reach the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season, even though it ended their perfect record in this season’s CL.
Arsenal’s record at the Emirates in European competition has been particularly strong. The club have lost only one of their last 22 European matches at home, that defeat coming against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s semi-final.
Their domestic form has also been encouraging. Arsenal defeated Everton 2–0 in the PL Saturday thanks to two late goals from two of Arteta’s substitutions. The result opened a nine-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
Leverkusen’s recent results have followed a different pattern. Their 1–1 draw against Bayern Munich on Saturday extended a sequence in which five of their last six matches in all competitions have ended level.
While that means they have lost only one of their last 14 games, a draw on Tuesday would not be enough to take them through to the next round.
Their away form has also been inconsistent, with four wins in their last 10 away matches.
Leverkusen have also struggled in recent meetings with Arsenal. The German side are without a win in three competitive matches against the Gunners, and their only visit to the Emirates — during pre-season in 2024 — ended in a 4–1 defeat.
Team News
Arsenal will assess Jurrien Timber, who picked up an injury in the first half of the victory over Everton.
Their captain (knee) and Leandro Trossard (knock) are also doubts, while Mikel Merino remains unavailable due to a foot injury. After scoring in Germany, Kai Havertz started against Everton but may return to a deeper attacking role, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line. Arteta could also consider using Bukayo Saka centrally while keeping Noni Madueke on the right flank.
Leverkusen’s injury list has grown following the draw with Bayern Munich. Aleix Garcia suffered a head injury and Martin Terrier was forced off with an ankle problem. If Garcia follows concussion protocols he is likely to miss the match, while Hjulmand hopes Terrier will recover in time.
The visitors are already without Mark Flekken (knee), Loic Bade (hamstring), Arthur (ligament), Lucas Vazquez (calf) and Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle).
Alejandro Grimaldo will return after completing a domestic suspension.
Verdict and Betting Angle
Arsenal have turned the Emirates into a difficult venue for visiting teams, winning six consecutive matches there in all competitions and keeping four clean sheets in their last five home games.
Leverkusen have been difficult to beat recently, but their run of draws leaves them needing a victory in London.
Arsenal’s strong home form could prove decisive.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 16.03.2026
