Arsenal recorded an overwhelming score of 9-3 on aggregate against PSV Eindhoven, securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.

Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 for the 2024-2025 season, held at the Emirates Stadium in London, England, on 5 a.m. on the 13th (Korean time). Arsenal, which had already won the first leg away match 7-1, confirmed its advancement to the quarter-finals by maintaining a stable game at home.

Arsenal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, and Kieran Tierney were positioned at the forefront, while the midfield was composed of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, and Declan Rice. The defense formed by Miles Lewis Skelly, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior, and Ben White was backed by goalkeeper David Raya.

PSV also operated in a 4-3-3 formation. The attacking line featured Johan Bakayoko, Ivan Perišić, and Kujawi Driussi, while the midfield included Isak Babadi, Jerdy Schouten, and Wijs Tuil. The defense was structured by Tyrell Malacia, Armando Obispo, Adamo Nagalo, and Richard Ledezma, with Walter Benítez guarding the goal.

In the 5th minute of the first half, Arsenal took the lead. Zinchenko, who received the ball in midfield, dribbled past defenders and attempted a curling left-footed shot from the right side of the box, shaking the net. Arsenal led 1-0.

PSV did not easily concede. In the 18th minute of the first half, during a counterattack, Babadi delivered a pass, which Tuil touched before Perišić leveled the score with a powerful right-footed shot from the front of the box. The aggregate score remained 2-8, with Arsenal still leading significantly.

Arsenal regained control of the game. In the 37th minute of the first half, Sterling maneuvered past a defender on the right flank and sent in a cross, which was connected with a header by Rice rushing into the box, allowing Arsenal to reestablish the lead. Arsenal was ahead 2-1, extending the aggregate score to 9-2.

With the start of the second half, PSV made a change by bringing on Joy Fairman. Arsenal also made substitutions in the 19th minute of the second half, withdrawing Merino and Rice for Ricardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard, considering fatigue management.

In the 25th minute of the second half, PSV equalized once again. Babadi delivered a pass that pierced the defense, and Driussi, receiving it, scored a precise shot over the goalkeeper to make it 2-2. However, the aggregate score was 3-9, indicating a significant gap.

In the 34th minute of the second half, Arsenal substituted Tierney, Zinchenko, and White for Martin Ødegaard, Wierin Timber, and Gabriel Martinelli to manage their stamina. Until the end of the match, Arsenal maintained stable game operations and did not allow any additional goals from PSV.

Ultimately, after 3 minutes of added time in the second half, the match ended as is. Arsenal recorded a 2-2 draw, defeating PSV 9-3 on aggregate and advancing to the quarter-finals.

[OSEN = Reporter Seungwoo Jeong]