Arsenal's journey in the Champions League has been mapped out following the knockout stage draw, with the Gunners set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16. Mikel Arteta's side secured this favourable position after a flawless performance in the league phase, winning all eight of their matches to top the standings.
Arsenal's Impressive League Phase Performance
In an outstanding start to their continental campaign, Arsenal dominated the league phase with eight consecutive victories. This achievement not only highlights their current form but also positions them as top seeds, granting them the advantage of playing the second leg at home throughout the knockout stages.
The Last-16 Clash with Bayer Leverkusen
Arsenal will meet Bayer Leverkusen, the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions, in the round of 16. Leverkusen advanced to this stage after a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos sealed a 2-0 aggregate victory. Historically, Arsenal have only faced the German side twice before, during the group phase of the 2001-02 Champions League.
Potential Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Opponents
Should Arsenal progress past Leverkusen, they will encounter either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarter-finals. As top seeds, Arsenal will again enjoy the home advantage in the second leg of this tie.
If Arsenal reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive season, they will face one of four teams: Newcastle, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or Tottenham. This sets up the possibility of a highly anticipated North London derby in the latter stages of the competition.
Full Champions League Knockout Bracket
The draw has divided the teams into two halves, with Arsenal placed in the bottom half of the bracket. The complete match-ups are as follows:
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
- Galatasaray vs Liverpool
- Real Madrid vs Manchester City
- Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
- Newcastle vs Barcelona
- Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
- Bodo Glimt vs Sporting CP
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Key Match Dates for the Knockout Stages
The Champions League knockout phase will unfold over the coming months, with critical dates for Arsenal and other contenders:
- Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
- Final: 30 May 2026 in Budapest
Arsenal's Champions League Odds and Betting Context
According to leading betting sites, Arsenal are currently favourites to win the tournament this season. The odds stand at 7/2 for them to lift the trophy and 7/4 to reach the final. These prices reflect their strong form and favourable draw.
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