Arsenal enjoyed a fun night in north London as they beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate (after a 2-2 draw on the night) to secure a totally dominant last-16 progression in the Champions League. With a rotated XI at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta largely got just the response he will have wanted from a fringe group of players., cutting inside onto his left foot and bending a strike into the far corner. Declan Rice then headed home his second of the week after Raheem Sterling rolled back the years to get himself beyond the full-back, whipping in a delightful cross.
Jorginho offered Couhaib Driouech the chance to equalise and he did just that from distance with a brilliant lob over David Raya. The PSV supporters were determined to have a good time regardless and it made for an enjoyable atmosphere
Jorginho offered Couhaib Driouech the chance to equalise and he did just that from distance with a brilliant lob over David Raya. The PSV supporters were determined to have a good time regardless and it made for an enjoyable atmosphere
For a young team still learning the ropes at this level – after all, it is only their second season back in the Champions League – it could make all the difference. Arsenal have made mistakes at this stage in each of the past two years when competing on more than one front.
In 2023 they faltered in the Europa League against Sporting CP before handing Manchester City a route to the title. Injuries were an issue then and have been for Arteta in recent months as well. This time in 2024 they were much more consistent in the league but were narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich over two legs.
The defeat in Germany and subsequent mental blow that it was coincided with their decisive Premier League slip-up against Aston Villa. This time around, and with fitness problems throughout the squad, Arteta can (and surely must) put all of his eggs in the Champions League basket.
Compared to Madrid, it is a simple equation. Real are currently second in La Liga but only on goal difference. Barcelona are a long way ahead in this, which is effectively an extra point at this stage, but the gap is tiny.
Atletico are also competing in this and are only one adrift of the top in third. All three are also in the Copa del Rey (Spanish domestic cup) as well.
This leaves Real to do what they are used to, aiming to bring home success to the season on three fronts. Real are naturals at this and do it countless times, even when not seemingly at their best.
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