Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen: Clash of Modern Invincibles in the Champions League

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Two of football’s most famous unbeaten teams of the modern era are set to collide when Bayer Leverkusen host Arsenal at the BayArena in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Arsenal’s legendary 2003–04 Invincibles remain one of the greatest achievements in English football. Two decades later, Bayer Leverkusen created history of their own by going unbeaten to win the 2023–24 Bundesliga title. Now the two clubs meet on Europe’s biggest stage, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.

Arsenal Arrive in Dominant Form

Arsenal have been one of the standout teams in this season’s Champions League.

Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners produced a perfect campaign in the league phase, winning all eight matches and finishing top of the table. Their performances were impressive both in attack and defence, scoring 23 goals while conceding only four.

The North London club defeated major European sides including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, sending a clear message that they are serious contenders for the trophy.

With several European giants on the other side of the knockout bracket, many fans believe this could finally be Arsenal’s year to win the Champions League.

Confidence is also high after their recent form. Arsenal come into the match on a four-game winning streak, most recently beating Mansfield Town 2–1 in the FA Cup. The Gunners have also been dangerous away from home, scoring at least two goals in eight of their last eleven away matches.

Leverkusen Looking to Reignite Their Magic

For Bayer Leverkusen, this season has been more challenging compared to their historic Bundesliga triumph.

After their incredible unbeaten title-winning campaign in 2023–24, maintaining that level has proven difficult. Injuries and changes in management have slowed their momentum.

However, the German side still managed to reach the knockout stage. They defeated Olympiacos in the playoff round, winning 2–0 away from home before finishing the job with a goalless draw at the BayArena.

Their recent form has been mixed, including a dramatic 3–3 draw with Freiburg in the Bundesliga. But one positive sign for Leverkusen is their home record. They are unbeaten in their last six matches at the BayArena, conceding just one goal during that run.

If they are to challenge Arsenal, much will depend on their attacking wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo, whose powerful set-pieces can change games instantly.

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen will be without several key players due to injury, including:

Mark Flekken
Loic Bade
Arthur
Lucas Vazquez
Eliesse Ben Seghir
Nathan Tella

Striker Patrik Schick is close to returning but may start from the bench, meaning young forward Christian Kofane could lead the attack.

Arsenal

Arsenal also have a few injury concerns.

Unavailable

Martin Odegaard
Ben White
Mikel Merino

Returning to the squad

David Raya
Declan Rice
Martin Zubimendi
Gabriel Magalhães

Defenders William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori, along with attacker Leandro Trossard, have also returned to training and could feature.

Possible Starting Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen

Blaswich
Andrich – Quansah – Tapsoba
Poku – Garcia – Fernandez – Grimaldo
Maza – Terrier
Kofane

Arsenal

Raya
Timber – Saliba – Gabriel – Hincapie
Zubimendi – Rice
Saka – Eze – Martinelli
Gyökeres

Key Battle to Watch

The midfield duel could decide the match.

If Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi control the tempo, Arsenal will dominate possession and create chances for dangerous attackers like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres.

But Leverkusen’s quick counter-attacks and deadly set-pieces could punish Arsenal if they lose focus.