Uncover the key moments as Zinchenko and Rice shine, helping the Gunners achieve a vital 2-2 draw in their latest European match.
Introduction:
The Emirates Stadium witnessed an electrifying night of European football as Arsenal and PSV played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with the Gunners comfortably securing their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory.
From the opening whistle, PSV striker Ivan Perišić was in the thick of the action, engaging in a physical duel with both Arsenal centre-backs. However, it was the hosts who struck first, showcasing their quality and control over the tie.
Zinchenko Strike First
Arsenal’s breakthrough came in stunning fashion, courtesy of Oleksandr Zinchenko. Receiving a pass from Raheem Sterling inside the PSV half, the Ukrainian international surged forward, cut inside, and unleashed a sensational curling strike from the edge of the area. Benítez had little chance of stopping the effort as the ball nestled into the top corner.
The former PSV man chose not to celebrate against his former club, a gesture of respect for the formative year he spent in Eindhoven in 2016/17.
See also: Martin Ødegaard Shines as Arsenal Crushes PSV
Perišić Responds for PSV
Despite falling behind on the night, PSV refused to alter their aggressive high-pressing approach. Their resilience paid off when Perišić produced a moment of brilliance to bring his side level. A well-weighted outside-foot pass from Til found the Croatian just inside the penalty area. Taking a measured touch, Perišić rifled a powerful finish into the corner, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper Raya with no chance.
Perišić, no stranger to tormenting English teams, once again proved his quality on the biggest stage, reducing the aggregate score to 8-2.
Rice Restores Arsenal’s Lead
Arsenal nearly regained their lead moments later when Lewis-Skelly’s close-range effort struck the post after a clever diagonal ball from Declan Rice.
However, Rice was not to be denied his moment. Sterling, already enjoying a productive night, showcased his skill with excellent control to keep the ball in play before cutting inside and whipping a precise cross into the penalty area. The England midfielder met it with a thumping header, restoring Arsenal’s lead and making it 9-2 on aggregate.
Sterling continued to cause problems for PSV’s defense and nearly added his own name to the scoresheet, but Benítez reacted quickly to deny his dinked effort. The goalkeeper judged his moment perfectly, waiting until the last second before closing down the Arsenal forward and blocking the shot.
Driouech’s Classy Finish Adds Late Drama
Despite the aggregate scoreline heavily favoring Arsenal, PSV remained determined to make a statement. Their persistence was rewarded with a fine goal from Couhaib Driouech, who marked his full UEFA Champions League debut in style. Babadi found the No.21 with an intelligent low pass, and Driouech advanced before executing an exquisite lob over Raya, leveling the match at 2-2 on the night.
As the final minutes ticked away, Gabriel showed his appreciation for Raya’s heroics after the goalkeeper made a full-stretch save to deny Babadi’s curling strike. At the other end, Sterling continued to threaten but was again thwarted by the impressive Benítez.
Arsenal March On to the Quarter-Finals
In the dying moments, PSV captain Luuk de Jong came close to snatching a winner for the visitors, but his header drifted narrowly wide. The final whistle confirmed Arsenal’s passage into the last eight of the Champions League, where they will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
It was a spirited effort from PSV, but Arsenal’s dominance over both legs ensured a commanding aggregate victory. Mikel Arteta’s men can now look ahead to their quarter-final clash, set to take place on 8 or 9 April, with the return leg scheduled for 15 or 16 April.