Clinical Arsenal Cruise Past Slavia Prague to Maintain Perfect Champions League Start

Arsenal continued their flawless run in the 2025–26 Champions League campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, making it four wins from four for Mikel Arteta’s side. Captain Bukayo Saka set the tone with an early penalty before Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino struck twice in the second half to seal a dominant performance in the Czech capital.

Gabriel Magalhães nearly produced an early contender for goal of the tournament with a thunderous left-footed volley that flew inches wide after Slavia failed to clear their lines. The hosts responded with fleeting spells of pressure but offered little to trouble David Raya in the Arsenal goal.

The visitors soon asserted their authority, with Saka and Leandro Trossard both denied by Slavia goalkeeper Jakub Markovic. Arsenal’s persistence paid off when a Saka corner struck Lukas Provod’s arm inside the box, confirmed by VAR after a brief review. The England winger stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, giving the Gunners a deserved lead.

After the interval, Arsenal doubled their advantage almost immediately. Trossard, lively on the left flank, picked out Merino unmarked six yards from goal, and the Spaniard coolly slotted home. Merino then added his second of the night with a deft header following a teasing delivery from Declan Rice, as Markovic misjudged the cross and left his net exposed.

Slavia’s late appeal for a penalty was dismissed by VAR after Ben White’s minimal contact on Provod, ensuring Arsenal’s clean sheet remained intact. The victory keeps Arteta’s men top of their group with maximum points, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.

With Saka’s leadership and Merino’s precision, Arsenal are emerging as one of the most balanced and confident sides in Europe this season—a statement of intent as they chase continental glory.

Stay tuned to Betway Arabia Sports News for the latest Champions League coverage, match reports, and expert analysis.