Arsenal have secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners progressed thanks to a second-leg brace from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice, following Kai Havertz's late penalty in the first leg.
Under the new format, Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the last eight. Sporting advanced after a sensational comeback against Bodo/Glimt, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit with two late goals and extra-time strikes. The Portuguese side will be without captain Morten Hjulmand for the first leg due to suspension.
As league phase winners, Arsenal enjoy home advantage in the second leg of the quarter-final and throughout the knockout stages, a new UEFA rule implemented this season. The first leg in Lisbon is scheduled for April 7 or 8.
A potential semi-final could pit Arsenal against Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, presenting a major test. On the other side of the draw, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are among the contenders, with Bayern currently looking strongest.
Should Arsenal reach the final, they could face Bayern, who boast Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, in what would be a clash against the six-time European champions.
