Match Details

Related News

• Nigeria eligible Goalkeeper Khari Ranson in Arsenal’s UCL squad to Leverkusen

  Arsenal’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Khari Ranson, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, Ghana, and England, has traveled with the senior squad to face Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League. ​Arsenal have included tri-national teenager Khari Ranson in their traveling squad for tonight’s Champions League clash at the BayArena. The 18-year-old shot-stopper, born in London to a Nigerian father and Ghanaian mother, is in contention for his first senior matchday appearance. Ranson, who wears number 79, has trained consistently with the first team after recently making his competitive debut for England’s Under-19 side. ​The talented goalkeeper boarded the team flight at Luton Airport alongside fellow Nigeria-eligible prospects Andre Harriman-Annous and Ife Ibrahim. Ranson previously acted as third-choice cover during an FA Cup fixture against Wigan Athletic but has yet to make his official debut. His inclusion provides essential depth behind Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Premier League leaders aim to secure a positive first-leg result in Germany.

• Bayer Leverkusen wary of Hincapie and Havertz in UCL homecoming

  Arsenal visit Bayer Leverkusen tonight for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, with Mikel Arteta balancing the return of key defenders against a disciplined German side that recently defeated Manchester City.

  ​Arsenal arrive at the BayArena as favorites following a flawless group stage, but Mikel Arteta has warned his side against complacency.

  With Martin Ødegaard still sidelined, the Gunners are boosted by the availability of William Saliba and Ben White.

  Arteta noted the difficulty of the fixture, acknowledging Leverkusen’s strength at home, where they previously drew with Newcastle and defeated Villarreal during this campaign.

  ​The match features significant “homecomings” for Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapié, the latter currently on loan at Arsenal from the German club.

  Leverkusen, managed by Kasper Hjulmand, are expected to utilize a compact back-three system spearheaded by Alejandro Grimaldo.

  Despite fatigue concerns for the hosts, Arteta remains cautious, knowing that a poor tactical display could leave the Premier League leaders with a mountain to climb.

• Arsenal hailed as ‘perhaps best team in Europe’ ahead of Bayer Leverkusen clash

  Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has described Arsenal as potentially the greatest team in Europe as the Bundesliga side prepares to host the red-hot Premier League leaders in the Champions League tonight.

  ​Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand believes his side faces the ultimate test tonight against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

  The Gunners arrive in Germany following a flawless group stage where they secured eight consecutive victories.

  Hjulmand expressed deep respect for the visitors’ current form, noting, “Arsenal are perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment,” while emphasizing his players must maintain self-belief to secure a result.

  ​The fixture marks an emotional homecoming for Kai Havertz, who returns to the club where he spent a decade.

  Havertz, recently back from injury, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but remains focused on an away win.

  Mikel Arteta, whose side sits seven points clear in the Premier League, dismissed favorites’ tags during his press conference, urging his squad to “live in the present.”

• Why this Real Madrid vs Manchester City classic is different

  Real Madrid and Manchester City meet for a fifth consecutive Champions League knockout campaign, with Alvaro Arbeloa’s injury-depleted side facing a City team bolstered by fresh talent and the return of Erling Haaland.  

  ​The “New European Classic” returns to the Bernabéu tonight as Real Madrid host Manchester City in a Round of 16 clash defined by significant absentees.

  Los Blancos must navigate a massive injury crisis, with star forward Kylian Mbappé (knee) and Jude Bellingham (hamstring) both ruled out of the first leg.

  Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, faces a tactical mountain as he attempts to stop a City side that already triumphed 2-1 in Madrid during the league phase earlier this season.

  ​Manchester City enter the tie as favorites, welcoming back a rested Erling Haaland after he sat out the FA Cup victory over Newcastle.

  While Pep Guardiola is forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, his squad appears near full strength, featuring high-impact newcomers Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo.

  Despite City’s recent dominance in this fixture, Arbeloa remains defiant about his side’s underdog status, asserting, “We’re Real Madrid, we shouldn’t feel inferior to anybody.”

  ​The tactical battle will likely see Madrid sit deep and counter-attack through the electric Vinícius Júnior, while City aim to control possession through the fit-again Rodri.

  With Mbappé sidelined, the responsibility for goals falls on young Gonzalo García or former City player Brahim Díaz.

  For City, the inclusion of youth sensation Nico O’Reilly, who scored in the previous Bernabéu meeting, could provide the “stardust” needed to overcome a Madrid defense led by the experienced Antonio Rüdiger.

• Pep Guardiola ‘making a point’ as new Man City theory emerges over touchline ban

  Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has received a two-match touchline suspension after collecting his sixth yellow card of the campaign during a heated exchange with officials.

  ​Pep Guardiola will serve a two-game ban after being cautioned for protesting a non-call on Jeremy Doku against Newcastle.

  The suspension rules him out of the Premier League clash at West Ham and an FA Cup quarter-final. Former referee Keith Hackett supported the decision, noting that regulations must act as a deterrent.

  “If you break that criterion, you get suspended,” Hackett stated regarding the disciplinary rules.

  ​Responding to the ban, Guardiola sarcastically embraced the record for most cautions by a manager.

  He defended his actions, insisting that officials fail to protect skillful players. “I have always wanted this record and now I have it. Two games banned now and I will go on holiday,” the City boss remarked.

  Despite the suspension, Guardiola remains eligible to lead his team in the Carabao Cup final.