Although, formally, five teams secured their spots in the Champions League quarterfinals before Arsenal, in reality, the Gunners had been waiting for them there since eight days ago when they finished the job against PSV in Eindhoven (7-1). Six goals of difference led to six changes in the starting lineup compared to the first match, allowing Mikel Arteta to rest some players, rehabilitate others, and experiment with new ideas. As a result, Arsenal cruised to a “mere” draw against PSV, who showed pride and saved face—2-2 at the Emirates.Zinchenko goal Arsenal 1:0 psv pic.twitter.com/eLuZ8buibP— ARSENAL GOALS ⚽️📽️ (@ARSENAL_GOALSHD) March 12, 2025 If they could, the London club would likely “steal” some of the goals they used to demolish PSV last Tuesday and redistribute them to their recent Premier League matches, where they have stumbled significantly and fallen behind (if they were ever truly in the title race) against Liverpool. Tonight, their bodies were on the pitch at their home stadium, but their minds were in Madrid, waiting to see which local rival they would face in the quarterfinals. This will be Arsenal’s second consecutive quarterfinal appearance after previously failing seven times in a row at the Round of 16 stage. Now, all that remains is to watch the extra time of the Atletico-Real Madrid clash in their dressing room.🚨🇪🇺 GOAL | Arsenal 2-2 PSV | DriouechDRIOUECH HAS EQUALIZED FOR PSV!pic.twitter.com/i2Yk5NWgTz— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 12, 2025 While Arsenal is struggling in the Premier League (three consecutive matches without a win), PSV is in an even deeper crisis. Their once-secure Eredivisie title has practically been handed to Ajax due to their terrible recent form. Manager Peter Bosz made five changes from their home-leg disaster, and like Arteta (who had to do so out of necessity), he opted for a lineup with a so-called false nine. Even at his age, Ivan Perišić executes every task flawlessly, and his goal in the 18th minute helped his team avoid defeat. However, he also became the first player to score against Arsenal at the Emirates in this season’s Champions League.🚨🇪🇺 GOAL | Arsenal 2-1 PSV | Declan RiceDECLAN RICE GIVES ARSENAL THE LEAD !!!! pic.twitter.com/d1AOs9xHax— billionaire world💀💀 (@billionaire4268) March 12, 2025 Arteta rested Odegaard, Saliba, Trossard, Timber, and Nwaneri, while Ben White made his first start since his injury in November. Jorginho wore the captain’s armband again, Zinchenko played in a midfield role, Merino operated as the most advanced midfielder, and Tierney was deployed as a winger. In summary, it was a lineup of 11 players who had probably never even trained together before. In the end, this match will be remembered for Raheem Sterling’s two assists, Zinchenko’s first Champions League goal, but not for a victory—one that was “stolen” by Driouech stunning goal in the 70th minute9 – Arsenal are only the second English club to score 9+ goals across two legs of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie, after Manchester City scored 10 v Schalke in the 2018-19 last 16. Rampant. pic.twitter.com/0cBia1vFZW— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 12, 2025 It took less than six minutes for the home team to take the lead. Zinchenko unleashed an unstoppable shot from 18 meters and raised his hands in apology, having spent a season on loan at PSV from Manchester City. PSV responded with a period of intense offensive pressure, creating serious chances just before and after their goal, which came from a quick transition, a well-timed pass by Til, and a brilliant finish by Perišić. Sterling was credited with an assist for the first goal, though it wasn’t a traditional one, as he fought hard to win possession in the build-up to Zinchenko’s strike. His second assist, however, was pure quality—a perfect cross from the right, leaving Declan Rice with a simple tap-in. Still, PSV showed resilience and avoided defeat with a beautiful goal from Driouech in the 70th minute. His delicate lob over the onrushing Raya secured a draw, with the Arsenal goalkeeper making several key saves to prevent the visitors from snatching a morale-boosting win in London.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Second legTuesdayBarcelona – Benfica 3-1 (3-1)/Raphinha 11, 42, Yamal 27 – Otamendi 13/Barcelona win 4-1 on aggInter Milan – Feyenoord 2-1 (1-1)/Thuram 8, Cahlanoglu 51 pen – Moder 42 pen/Inter win 4-1 on aggBayer Leverkusen – Bayern Munich 0-2 (0-0)/Kane 52, Davies 71/Bayern win 5-0 on aggLiverpool – PSG 0-1 (0-1)/Dembele 12/PSG win 5-3 after penalty shootoutWednesdayLille – Dortmund 1-2 (1-0)/David 5, Can (p) 54, Beier 65/Arsenal – PSV 2-2 (2-1)/Zinchenko 6, Rice 37 – Perisic 18, Driouech 70/Aston Villa – Club Brugge 3-0 (0-0)/Asensio 50, 61, Maatsen 57Atl. Madrid – Real Madrid (1-0)/Gallagher 1/
