Invincibles Clash in Leverkusen
Both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen can lay claim to the title of “Invincibles.” The Gunners famously completed the 2003–04 PL season without defeat, while the German side achieved the same feat in the German league as recently as the 2023–24 campaign. This time, however, the focus is not on domestic leagues but on the first leg of a CL Round of 16 tie.
Match Analysis
Arsenal were among the most impressive teams during the CL League Phase. Mikel Arteta’s side won all eight of their matches and finished top of the new 36-team table. The North London club also produced both the most potent attack and the tightest defence in the competition, scoring 23 goals and conceding just four.
Along the way Arsenal defeated several European heavyweights, including Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and last season’s runners-up Inter Milan. The knockout draw has also been relatively favourable, as Arsenal cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern Munich or Manchester City before a potential final.
The London club are still chasing a historic quadruple this season. Their playing style – built around set pieces, occasional defensive pragmatism and disciplined game management – continues to attract criticism, but the results remain firmly in Arteta’s favour.
Arsenal travel to Germany on the back of their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions. In the cup at the weekend, a rotated Arsenal side secured a 2–1 away win against Mansfield Town. That match also marked the eighth time in their last eleven away games that Arsenal have scored at least twice.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, approach the match with less consistent form. The club that went unbeaten in the 2023–24 league season has inevitably dipped slightly since that historic triumph. Following a turbulent spell under Erik ten Hag, former Denmark national team coach Kasper Hjulmand has steadied the side domestically and in Europe.
Leverkusen finished 16th in the CL league phase, but a convincing 2–0 away win against Olympiacos in the first leg of their playoff tie put them firmly in control. The return leg at BayArena ended 0–0, which was enough to secure progression to the round of 16.
Recent results have been mixed, however. Leverkusen have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions and most recently played out a dramatic 3–3 draw against Freiburg in the league.
At home, though, Hjulmand’s team have been far more reliable. Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last six matches at BayArena and have conceded just one goal across those 540 minutes.
The two clubs have also met in the CL before. In 2002 they drew 1–1 in Germany, while Arsenal later recorded 4–1 victories both in that same campaign and in a pre-season match in 2024.
Team News
Arsenal rested several key players during their cup tie with Mansfield. David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes were all given a break and are expected to return to the squad.
However, William Saliba (ankle), Ben White (knock) and their captain (knee) remain doubts. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also forced off during the weekend match and will be assessed ahead of this game.
Calafiori had been expected to make way for Leverkusen loanee Piero Hincapie regardless, with the defender eligible to face his parent club. Eberechi Eze, who scored the winner against Mansfield, could also start if Trossard is unavailable.
Leverkusen also have several injury concerns. Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick are all sidelined.
Schick has a small chance of recovering in time, but if he does not make it, 19-year-old Christian Kofane may lead the line.
In defence, Jarell Quansah is expected to start as the central figure in a back three, while Alejandro Grimaldo remains a major threat from set pieces — something he demonstrated with a free-kick goal against Freiburg last weekend.
Odds and Tips
Leverkusen have been strong at home in recent weeks, but injuries and inconsistent form make the challenge difficult against an Arsenal side currently in good rhythm.
Arteta’s team have repeatedly shown their ability to manage tight contests, and their improved scoring record away from home could prove decisive.
Tip: Arsenal to win at 1.52.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 11.03.26
