Eze stunner sends Arsenal through as Chelsea and Manchester City crash out of Champions League
Tuesday night in Europe delivered drama, heartbreak and one unforgettable strike. Arsenal are into the last eight of the Champions League. Chelsea and Manchester City are not. Three Premier League clubs entered the second legs with their seasons on the line, and only one walked away with anything to show for it.
Eze's thunderbolt breaks Leverkusen hearts
At the Emirates, Arsenal needed to protect the away goal Kai Havertz had won from the penalty spot in a 1-1 first leg draw. For 35 minutes, the game was tight and edgy. Then Eberechi Eze stepped up.
His strike in the 36th minute was special. A powerful hit that flew past Janis Blaswich and sent the Emirates into overdrive. Leverkusen, who had looked dangerous on the counter, suddenly looked rattled. Declan Rice doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, and the tie was effectively over. Arsenal go through 3-1 on aggregate, unbeaten in ten Champions League matches this season.
PSG complete Chelsea demolition
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea already trailed 5-2 from the first leg. It took PSG six minutes to kill off any remaining hope. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored early, Bradley Barcola added a second in the 15th minute, and Chelsea were staring at an 8-2 aggregate exit before most fans had settled into their seats.
Senny Mayulu completed the 3-0 rout on the night with a goal in the 62nd minute. The aggregate scoreline reads 8-2, and Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior admitted PSG fully deserved to go through. For Chelsea, European elimination follows close behind a record fine and suspended transfer ban from the Premier League. It has been a difficult week at Stamford Bridge.
Vinicius double ends City's run
Manchester City's task was already enormous. Trailing 3-0 from a first leg in which Federico Valverde had scored a hat-trick, Guardiola's side needed something close to a miracle at the Etihad.
What they got instead was more misery. Bernardo Silva was sent off for blocking a Vinicius Junior shot with his arm on the goal line. VAR confirmed the decision, referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot, and Vinicius converted in the 22nd minute. Erling Haaland pulled one back before half-time, making it 1-1 on the night, but with City down to ten men and 4-1 down on aggregate, there was no way back. Vinicius added a second in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win and a 5-1 aggregate victory for Real Madrid.
Tonight's ties could produce more Premier League casualties
The second legs continue on Wednesday with four more matches. Liverpool host Galatasaray at Anfield needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from Istanbul. Barcelona welcome Newcastle with the aggregate score level at 1-1. Bayern Munich are expected to finish the job against Atalanta after winning the first leg 6-1, while Tottenham host Atletico Madrid, with Spurs trailing 5-2 and looking to salvage what pride they can from a difficult tie.
