Arsenal took the lead against Bayer Leverkusen thanks to a stunning goal from Eberechi Eze as the midfielder put his side ahead in the second-leg and handed them a Champions League advantage
20:47, 17 Mar 2026Updated 21:02, 17 Mar 2026
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal celebrates
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Eberechi Eze of Arsenal celebrates(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Eberechi Eze may have offered a stoic response to his Champions League screamer, but his Arsenal team-mates did not quite react so coolly. The midfielder put the Gunners ahead in the last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen with an emphatic strike that saw some awe-struck reactions.
Eze unleashed a venomous effort on a bouncing ball outside the box to beat Janis Blaswich, who had been in inspired form at the Emirates. There was barely a moment to react for the shotstopper, such was the pace of the ball.
William Saliba and Ben White quickly had their head in their hands in disbelief, while Declan Rice, no stranger to a Champions League pearler himself, could only laugh at the effort. Mikel Arteta's celebrations were enthusiastic to say the least.
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The goal marked the 27-year-old's first time finding the net in the Champions League. While those around him lost their heads and surrounded him, Eze simply pulled at the Gunners' badge on his chest.
The former Crystal Palace talisman did allow himself some release as he met defender Gabriel Magalhaes as the celebrations began to dissipate. There was no harm in showing some joy after a strike that put Arsenal one step closer to the last eight in the Champions League.
Arsenal's stars couldn't believe it
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Arsenal's stars couldn't believe it(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson barely had enough superlatives to offer Eze's goal. "What a way to score your first Champions League goal," he said.
"That is sensational. What a hit. With his right foot, it's out of nothing, it's a ball bouncing about, loose in the air.
"Eze's first touch with his left, swivels and as it sat up on his right, he just powers it in. Middle of the goal but right near that post. The goalkeeper had no chance, it went past him in a flash."
Eze celebrates with Gabriel
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Eze celebrates with Gabriel(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"This is such a sweet pure strike," Martin Keown said on TNT Sports. "You might have saved six shots earlier in the game but try and save this."
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If Arsenal manage to convert their advantage into a victory, they will face Sporting CP in the next round of action. The Portuguese side turned around a 3-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt in their first leg to win in extra-time.
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Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they face Bayer Leverkusen on March 17. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.
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