Real Madrid
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face reigning champions Real Madrid, after a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium secured a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory.
With last week’s emphatic 7-1 first-leg triumph all but ensuring progression, Mikel Arteta took the opportunity to rotate his squad for the return fixture. His lineup saw several changes, including Kieran Tierney deployed as a left winger and Oleksandr Zinchenko operating in midfield.
Raheem Sterling, making a rare start, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s attacking play, providing assists for both goals. The England international first set up Zinchenko, who unleashed a brilliant long-range strike to open the scoring. Later, Sterling delivered a pinpoint cross for Declan Rice, who powered home a header to double Arsenal’s lead.
READ MORE: Arsenal armed with huge financial war chest ahead of the summer
PSV, however, fought back. Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic netted an equaliser in the first half with a composed finish, while Couhaib Driouech levelled the score again in the second half, dinking a clever chip over David Raya.
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Aurélien Tchouaméni (Image credit: Getty Images)
While Arsenal managed their squad carefully, Real Madrid endured a gruelling 130-minute battle against city rivals Atletico Madrid, ultimately advancing via penalties. However, their hard-fought victory came at a cost, as midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will miss the first leg of the quarter-final clash against Arsenal due to suspension.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The French international received his third yellow card of the competition against Atletico, triggering an automatic one-match ban under Champions League regulations. His absence will be a significant blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they prepare for a tough test against an Arsenal team growing in confidence in Europe.
The first leg of the quarter-final tie is set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on April 8 or 9, with Arsenal looking to capitalise on Real Madrid ’s midfield weakness in Tchouaméni’s absence.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal star to miss Champions League quarter final due to suspension