Arsenal defeated Inter Milan 3-1 at the San Siro to become the first team to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages this season. The victory marked their seventh consecutive win in the league phase, ensuring a top-two finish and home advantage in second legs of knockout ties. However, suspensions loom for Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in their final league match.
Arsenal's emphatic 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan on January 21, 2026, at the San Siro propelled them to the top of the Champions League league phase standings with an unbeaten record of seven wins. Gabriel Jesus scored a brace, while substitute Viktor Gyökeres added a stunning finish to seal the points, putting Arsenal six points clear at the summit.
The Gunners had already clinched automatic qualification for the round of 16 before kickoff, thanks to Manchester City's 3-1 upset loss to Bodø/Glimt. Mikel Arteta, capitalizing on this security, made seven changes to the lineup that drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest, starting players like Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Cristhian Mosquera, and Mikel Merino. Despite the rotated squad, Arsenal dominated, showcasing their depth and turning the game into a comfortable win.
This result guarantees Arsenal home second-leg advantage throughout the knockout phase, a crucial boost after last season's semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain, where they lost the away second leg 2-1 following a 1-0 home defeat. Arteta's side now eyes the final league phase game against Kairat, though it will come without Rice and Merino, both sidelined by accumulating three yellow cards in the competition—Merino in the 78th minute and Rice in stoppage time against Inter.
Merino, who played the full 90 minutes, reflected on the team's spirit post-match: "Obviously, football is not only about results. It's the main thing, but when you can enjoy playing with these teammates, it's just a joy, and I'm enjoying it every time I'm on the pitch. I think everyone is giving their best and enjoying as well, and that's the best mix we can have."
With qualification secured early, Arsenal can focus on domestic challenges, including a Premier League clash with Manchester United this Sunday, before a packed February schedule featuring the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea and more league and cup ties.
