Champions League Preview: Arsenal Seek First-Leg Advantage Away to Bayer Leverkusen

UEFA Champions League  -  Bayer Leverkusen VS Arsenal
Match Time:12-03-2026 01:45 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Arsenal travel to the BayArena to face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 tie. The Bundesliga side will look to make their home advantage count, while Arsenal aim to continue their impressive European campaign and take a lead back to London for the second leg.

Team Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen enter this clash hoping to challenge one of Europe’s most in-form sides. Despite some inconsistent domestic performances, the German club remain strong at home and will rely on disciplined defending and quick attacking transitions to trouble Arsenal. Their solid defensive structure at the BayArena has often made them difficult to break down, particularly in high-stakes European matches.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive in strong form and have built momentum across competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side have been grinding out results even when performances have not been spectacular, showing a level of resilience that could prove decisive in knockout football. The Gunners have been one of the most consistent teams in this season’s Champions League and will aim to control possession while creating chances through their dynamic attack.

Player Situation
Leverkusen face several squad concerns ahead of this match, with multiple players unavailable due to injury, which could limit their rotation options. However, striker Patrik Schick is expected to return to the squad and may provide an attacking boost for the hosts.

Arsenal also have some injury worries. Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, and Mikel Merino are set to miss the match, while Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori have recently dealt with minor fitness issues but could still feature. Defender William Saliba is expected to return to the starting lineup, strengthening Arsenal’s defence for this important European fixture.

Result Prediction
With Leverkusen dealing with squad shortages and Arsenal currently enjoying better overall form, the visitors may hold a slight advantage in this first leg. However, the German side’s strong home defence could keep the game tight.

A closely contested match is expected, with Arsenal potentially edging the encounter and taking a narrow lead into the return leg.

Predicted Result: Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Arsenal.