Arsenal Cruise Past Dinamo Zagreb, Edge Closer to Champions League Knockouts

Arsenal delivered a dominant performance to defeat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 on Wednesday, moving one step closer to securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. 

Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard underlined a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side needing only a draw in their final group game against Girona to guarantee progression.  

The Gunners got off to a flying start, with Rice finding the net inside two minutes. Kai Havertz expertly cushioned Gabriel Martinelli’s cross into Rice’s path, and the England midfielder drilled a low shot past Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic. The goal marked Rice’s first in the Champions League and set the tone for Arsenal’s clinical performance.  

Dinamo Zagreb, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, showed occasional sparks on the counter-attack with their pace, but Arsenal’s defense held firm. Despite a lackluster start to the second half, Arsenal regained control in the 66th minute when Martinelli again provided an assist, delivering a precise cross for Havertz to head home and double the lead.  

Declan Rice had an opportunity to score his second but headed wide from close range. However, Martin Odegaard ensured a resounding victory, scoring deep into stoppage time with a composed finish for his first goal in 14 matches across all competitions.  

The victory lifted Arsenal to third in the standings with 16 points. With the top eight teams from the league phase securing automatic qualification for the Round of 16, only an improbable set of results in next week’s final round could deny Arteta’s men a place in the knockout stage.  

Arsenal now travels to Girona, where a draw will suffice to avoid being drawn into a two-legged playoff in February.  

For Dinamo Zagreb, the loss leaves them in the elimination zone. They must beat AC Milan in their final game to stand any chance of reaching the playoff round.  

Match Summary:

Arsenal 3 (Rice 2, Havertz 66, Odegaard 90+3)  

Dinamo Zagreb 0  

In another key match, Rafael Leao’s stunning first-half strike secured a 1-0 win for AC Milan against Girona at San Siro. Ismael Bennacer’s brilliant run and cross set up the Portugal winger, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 37th minute.  

Bryan Gil thought he had equalized for Girona with a curling shot, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The result keeps Milan in sixth place with 15 points, firmly in contention for the knockout stage. Girona, debuting in the competition, remains 31st with only three points and no hope of advancing.