“Arsenal only needs a win by any scoreline to advance,” stated a club representative ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

The match, scheduled for March 17, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium, comes after Arsenal’s strong performance in the first leg, where they managed to keep Bayer Leverkusen at bay. Mikel Arteta has made four changes to the lineup from their previous match against Everton, with Ben White returning to bolster the defense.

Arsenal’s starting eleven for this crucial encounter includes Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, and Gyokeres. This lineup reflects Arteta’s strategic adjustments aimed at securing a victory.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, has opted to maintain the same team that started the first leg against Arsenal. This consistency could play a significant role in their performance, as they aim to break Arsenal’s unbeaten streak against them in the UEFA Champions League, which currently stands at one win and two draws.

Historically, Arsenal has been formidable at home, winning 13 of their last 16 UEFA Champions League matches under Arteta. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen has struggled in away games against English teams, losing eight of their last eleven encounters in the competition.

In the first leg, Declan Rice showcased his passing accuracy, completing 96% of his passes, a statistic that highlights his pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen’s defense has been relatively solid, with the only goal conceded in their last four UEFA Champions League matches being a penalty from Kai Havertz.

As the teams prepare for this decisive match, Arsenal fans are hopeful for a strong performance that will see their team advance to the next stage of the tournament. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium is expected to be electric.

With 23 corners faced by Arsenal this season in the UEFA Champions League, the team’s defensive organization will be crucial against a Bayer Leverkusen side that has created 26 chances this season.

As the kickoff approaches, both teams are aware of the implications of this match. Arsenal aims to continue their impressive home record, while Bayer Leverkusen seeks to turn their fortunes around in England.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups, but both teams are set for an exciting encounter that could define their European campaigns.