Arsenal Hold Edge as Emirates Fortress Faces Leverkusen Test

UEFA Champions League  -  Arsenal VS Bayer Leverkusen
Match Time:18-03-2026 04:00 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Arsenal welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash. The Gunners narrowly avoided defeat in Germany last week, as Kai Havertz scored late to snatch a draw against his former club.

Team Analysis:
Arsenal were close to losing the first leg in Germany after Robert Andrich’s set-piece goal, but a late penalty won by Noni Madueke and calmly converted by Kai Havertz secured a crucial draw against Bayer Leverkusen. With a strong home record at the Emirates and growing confidence after their latest league win, the Gunners now hold the advantage heading into the decisive second leg.

Player Situation:
Arsenal will be without Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino for the second leg, though Leandro Trossard could return while Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the attack again. Bayer Leverkusen have a few injury concerns as well, but Aleix Garcia and Martin Terrier are likely to be fit, and Alejandro Grimaldo is set to return after serving a domestic suspension.

Result Prediction:
Since January, Arsenal have strengthened their Emirates fortress, winning six consecutive matches and keeping four clean sheets in their last five games. While the second leg may not thrill neutral fans, Arteta’s side are favored to advance and potentially face Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-finals.

Predicted Result: Arsenal 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen.