Arsenal now knows the challenge that lies ahead in their quest for Champions League glory. The Gunners, having dominated their group with a flawless eight-win record, have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16.
Last season saw Arsenal reach the semi-finals, a promising run ultimately ended by Paris Saint-Germain. This year, Mikel Arteta’s squad will be determined to go one step further, fueled by their impressive form and a potentially favorable draw.
Bayer Leverkusen currently occupy a mid-table position in the Bundesliga, presenting a stern but surmountable obstacle. Overcoming the German side would open the door to a quarter-final clash against either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP.
The path doesn’t get significantly easier from there. A potential semi-final showdown looms against one of Europe’s heavyweights: Newcastle, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or even a fierce London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
A significant advantage for Arsenal throughout the knockout stages is home-field advantage for the second leg of each tie. This could prove crucial in navigating tight encounters and securing progression.
Looking further ahead, the final itself could feature a rematch against last year’s conquerors, PSG. Alternatively, an all-English affair against Liverpool, Chelsea, or Manchester City is also within the realm of possibility.
If everything falls into place, Arsenal’s journey could look like this: Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16, Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, Barcelona in the semi-finals, and a final against Bayern Munich.
Key dates for Arsenal fans to mark in their calendars include the last-16 matches on March 10/11 and March 17/18, followed by the quarter-finals in April and the semi-finals in late April/early May. The Champions League final will be held in Budapest on May 30th.
