Arsenal are set to face Bayer Leverkusen on the Emirates Stadium within the second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League Spherical of 16 on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. Softfootball believes Arsenal are favourites to progress, based mostly on their resilience and up to date performances this season.
Within the first leg, Arsenal secured a 1:1 draw, equalising within the 89th minute by way of a penalty. This late response displays a sample seen in current matches. In their 2:0 Premier League win over Everton, Arsenal scored within the 89th minute and 90+7, highlighting a workforce that continues to battle till the ultimate whistle.
Leverkusen stay a powerful opponent, and Mikel Arteta will likely be eager to make sure Arsenal don’t concede early whereas aiming to take the lead. Within the first leg, Leverkusen dominated the primary half, however Arsenal responded nicely within the second half to regain management and safe the equaliser.
Noni Madueke impressed within the first leg, though it stays unsure whether or not he’ll begin on this return fixture. Viktor Gyökeres is in robust kind, whereas 16-year-old Max Dowman has additionally made an affect, scoring Arsenal’s second purpose in stoppage time in opposition to Everton. Bukayo Saka continues to keep up good kind as nicely.
With the attacking choices accessible and their present momentum, Arsenal seem nicely positioned heading into the decisive stage of the tie, notably as performances at this level within the season usually decide total success.
