Stunning Clash Between Arsenal and Leverkusen Unveiled Down Under!
Arsenal's Max Dowman reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Andrew Matthews/PA Wire/dpa Bayer Leverkusen head to Arsenal for their Champions League last 16 second leg on Tuesday feeling boosted by their performances in the first leg and at the weekend against Bayern Munich. The Werkself had chances to win the two 1-1 draws.
Now they visit the Premier League leaders and only unbeaten side left in the Champions League. "We are going there to get to the next round. Otherwise there is no need to travel," Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich told reporters.
The Germans have improved defensively in recent weeks and hope to keep out their former star Kai Havertz at the Emirates after he scored a late equalizer from the spot at the BayArena last week. "We have made steps forward," coach Kasper Hjulmund said after the Bayern draw. Leverkusen are looking to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 24 years.
In 2002, they ended up reaching the final but lost to Real Madrid. European giant killers Bodø/Glimt may await in the next round but first Arsenal have to be dealt with. Leverkusen believe all the expectation is on the Gunners.
"Ich think the pressure on Arsenal is enormous, not just to progress but perhaps to win the Champions League," Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes told Sport1.