Arsenal’s reward for beating PSV is a thrilling showdown with Champions League powerhouse, Real Madrid.
Image credit: Champions League
Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven, setting up an exciting clash against 15-time champions Real Madrid.
Match Recap: Arsenal 2-2 PSV (Agg 9-3)
Already leading 7-1 from the first leg, Arsenal made several changes to their lineup for the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite a quieter-than-usual crowd, the game had its moments of brilliance.
Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, assisted by Raheem Sterling.
Two assists ✅
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 12, 2025
Champions League Player of the Match ✅
A big performance from Raheem 👏 pic.twitter.com/MHYAUad2tf
PSV responded in the 18th minute, with Ivan Perišić curling a brilliant effort past David Raya.
Declan Rice restored Arsenal’s lead in the 37th minute, heading in another Sterling assist.
PSV’s Couhaib Driouech chipped over Raya in the 70th minute, securing a draw on the night but unable to change the overall result.
Arsenal never faced serious danger of losing their commanding lead but lacked the intensity to push for a bigger win.
Manager Mikel Arteta, while pleased with the progression, will likely demand more from his squad as they prepare for Real Madrid.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
This marks the first time since 2010 that Arsenal has reached the quarter-finals in consecutive seasons.
With their Premier League title hopes fading, the Champions League remains their best shot at silverware this season.
However, they now face their toughest challenge yet—Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, a club with a storied history in the competition.
Can Arsenal rise to the occasion and take down the European giants? The stage is set for an electrifying quarter-final showdown.