Zinchenko's Goal Helps Arsenal in Thrilling Draw with PSV
Following their 7-1 victory in the first leg of the Champions League playoff against PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal fielded a semi-reserve lineup for the return leg at the Emirates Stadium. Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was given a starting spot and quickly repaid manager Mikel Arteta's faith with a stunning goal. Just six minutes into the match, Zinchenko curled a beautiful shot into the top right corner, marking his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
However, Arsenal's lead was short-lived. PSV responded almost immediately, with Ivan Perišić scoring from their first shot on target. The Croatian winger expertly avoided the offside trap and fired past David Raya. PSV nearly took the lead moments later, but Raya made a crucial save to keep the score level. Arsenal regained control and went ahead again before halftime, as Declan Rice headed home from a Raheem Sterling cross.
The second half was less eventful, though both teams had chances to add to the scoreline. PSV eventually found the equalizer in the 70th minute, with Driouech chipping the ball over Raya after a breakaway. The match ended 2-2, but Arsenal advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to their dominant first-leg performance.
2024-25 UEFA Champions League
Arsenal - PSV 2:2 (2:1)
Goals: Zinchenko, 6 (1:0); Perišić I., 18 (1:1); Rice, 37 (2:1); Driouech, 70 (2:2)
Arsenal: Raya; Tierney (Martinelli, 79); White B. (Timber J., 79); Gabriel M.; Kiwior; Lewis-Skelly; Zinchenko (Odegaard, 79); Jorginho; Merino (Trossard, 64); Sterling; Rice (Calafiori, 64)
Bench: Neto; Setford; Saliba; Partey T.; Kabia; Nwaneri; Butler-Oyedeji
Yellow Cards: Kiwior 42; Rice 63; Sterling 90
PSV: Benitez W.; Malacia; Obispo (Boscagli, 69); Nagalo (Flamingo, 77); Perišić I. (de Jong L., 68); Til G.; Schouten (Veerman J., 46); Ledezma R.; Babadi; Bakayoko J.; Driouech (Bajraktarević, 80)
Bench: Drommel; Schiks; Dest S.; Karsdorp; Land; Lang N.
Yellow Cards: Babadi 34
