Arsenal demolishes PSV 7-1 in Champions League last 16 first leg
The English side dominated from the start, scoring three goals in the first half and adding four more after the break to strengthen their quarter-final ambitions.
KATHMANDU: Arsenal delivered a stunning 7-1 thrashing to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands on Tuesday, securing a commanding lead ahead of the Champions League last-16 second leg.
The English side dominated from the start, scoring three goals in the first half and adding four more after the break to strengthen their quarter-final ambitions.
First-Half Brilliance
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by Ethan Nwaneri doubling the lead just three minutes later. Mikel Merino then capitalized on a defensive error to make it 3-0.
PSV found a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty after Thomas Partey fouled Luuk de Jong. Noa Lang converted from the spot, reducing the deficit to 3-1 at halftime.
Second-Half Onslaught
Arsenal wasted no time after the break, as captain Martin Ødegaard struck in the 47th minute, and Leandro Trossard netted another just a minute later to extend the lead to 5-1.
Ødegaard completed his brace with a sensational strike in the 73rd minute, and Ricardo Calafiori sealed the emphatic victory with a late goal, leaving PSV humiliated.
PSV’s defensive frailties were on full display, with the Dutch side managing only one clean sheet in their last 14 matches this year.
Other Champions League Round of 16 First-Leg Results
- Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético Madrid
- Rodrigo and Brahim Díaz scored for Real, while Julián Álvarez netted for Atlético.
- Aston Villa 3-1 Club Brugge
- Borussia Dortmund 1-1 LASK Lille
Arsenal’s dominant display puts them in pole position for the quarter-finals, while PSV faces a near-impossible task in the second leg.
