Arteta Hails Eze's 'Moment of Magic' as Thunderbolt Seals Arsenal's UCL Progress

Mikel Arteta post match conference 

Arsenal progressed to the UCL quarter-finals with a dominant 2-0 win over Leverkusen. Arteta hailed Eze's 'moment of magic' thunderbolt that inspired the victory.

Arsenal beat Leverkusen 2-0, advancing to Champions League quarter-finals with Eberechi Eze's stunning goal...

Mikel Arteta praised Eberechi Eze's “magical” performance after his stunning goal helped Arsenal beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Champions League last-16 second leg. Eze's thunderbolt strike from the edge of the area late in the first half set the tone for Arsenal's dominant win at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta was impressed with Eze's form, saying he's playing every three days and has a great understanding with his teammates. “He is playing, I think, every three days now, he has a rhythm, an understanding with his team-mates as well,” Arteta said. Declan Rice's clinical finish after the interval sealed Arsenal's 3-1 aggregate victory, setting up a quarter-final clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Declan Rice's clinical finish after halftime secured Arsenal's 3-1 aggregate win, setting them up for a quarter-final clash with Sporting Lisbon. Eberechi Eze's first Champions League goal marked a turnaround in his season, following a shaky start with the Gunners after joining from Crystal Palace.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Eze's performance, saying he's “playing every three days, he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players... he's building an understanding with all of them and when you start to make key moments in games, that lifts your confidence.”

Eze's performances have earned him more starts under Arteta, who has turned to him often in Odegaard's absence. The England midfielder is making the most of his chance, impressing with his skills and work rate.

“We started the game so well, and we were a threat from every angle. Their keeper kept them in the game, and we needed a magical moment from Ebs to give us the lead,” Arteta said.

“Ebs is playing every three days; he has rhythm, has an understanding with the players, and this is why he is here.

“He is building an understanding with all of them, and when you start to make key moments in games that lifts your confidence.”

Declan Rice was instrumental in Arsenal's dominant win over Leverkusen, earning praise from Mikel Arteta for his outstanding performance. The England midfielder scored his first Champions League goal of the season, showcasing his growing influence on the team.

Rice's impact went beyond his goal, as he controlled the midfield and drove Arsenal forward. Arteta hailed him as “immense” and credited him with pushing the team to new heights. Rice's impressive display was marked by his precision, vision, and work rate, making him a key factor in Arsenal's 2-0 win.

Another step made 🧱

Mikel's thoughts on making the UCL quarter-finals 🎙

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 17, 2026

The intensity of the passion is striking

“In the second half, Declan's action gave us the opportunity to win the game,” he said.

“It's the Champions League. When you have four or five chances and if you don't put the ball in the back of the net, it gets frustrating.

“It was an incredible moment from Declan to finish the game. We want to try and get more chances like that for people because we have got a lot of players that can do that.

“Declan was immense, him and the whole team - the manner they go into every ball and the passion they show is remarkable.”

Arsenal is flying high in the Champions League, with nine wins and one draw from their 10 games this season, showcasing their dominance in the competition.

Arsenal is looking strong after dispatching Bayer Leverkusen, and they're favorites to beat Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarterfinals, especially after their 5-1 win over the Portuguese club last season. This momentum is crucial as they aim for their first trophy in six years against Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

The Gunners have been on fire, and this win over Leverkusen sets them up perfectly for the challenge ahead. With key players like Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice performing well, Arsenal's chances look promising.

Another one for safekeeping, Dec 📦 pic.twitter.com/HEY4x7b52Z

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 17, 2026

Arsenal is having an incredible season, chasing a quadruple and sitting nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. They're aiming for their first English title in 22 years, with their last silverware coming from the 2020 FA Cup.

The Gunners are also making waves in other competitions, set to meet Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals and facing Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-finals. Despite never winning the Champions League, they've got a 29.45% chance of lifting the trophy, according to Opta's supercomputer.