Bayer Leverkusen host Arsenal on Tuesday at the BayArena in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with both sides looking to take control of the tie before the return leg in London.
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Arsenal arrive in outstanding form in the competition. Mikel Arteta’s side won all eight of their Champions League matches in the league phase, finishing top of the table with 24 points and a +19 goal difference after scoring 23 and conceding four. That run represents Arsenal’s longest winning streak in European competition and places them among the most dominant teams in this season’s tournament.
The attacking numbers support that record. Arsenal produced 20.31 xG from 135 shots across the eight matches while hitting 63 shots on target and creating 44 big chances, the second highest total in the competition. Defensively they have been equally impressive, conceding only 6.17 xG across the campaign.
Leverkusen’s league phase campaign was less consistent. They recorded three wins, three draws and two defeats from eight matches, finishing with a -1 goal difference after scoring 13 and conceding 14. Their attacking output produced 15.28 xG from 113 shots while creating 26 big chances.
History also adds an interesting backdrop to the tie. Leverkusen have won four of their previous five UEFA knockout ties against English opposition, although their recent Champions League record at this stage is poor with only one win in their last 12 round of 16 matches.
Arsenal will be without Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Mikel Merino through injury, while Leverkusen are missing Arthur, Bade and Lucas Vazquez. Patrik Schick remains doubtful.
With Arsenal chasing a third consecutive Champions League quarter final appearance, the Gunners travel to Germany knowing a strong first leg performance could put them firmly in control of the tie.
