Arsenal's Championship Quest: Mapping Their Path to Champions League Glory in 2025-26
The Champions League draw on Friday has intensified the pressure on Arsenal, as their aspirations for an historic quadruple remain very much alive.
Mikel Arteta's squad has gradually progressed in this tournament, building upon their quarterfinal elimination by Bayern Munich in 2024 to advance to the semifinals last campaign. Though they fell to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, many believe Arsenal's moment has arrived.
They dominated the league phase completely, securing victories in all eight matches and defeating formidable opponents like Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan with commanding performances. Unlike others who achieved high table positions, they've been granted the most favorable pathway to Budapest.
Here's how Arsenal can reach the 2025–26 Champions League final.
Arsenal's Round of 16 Opponents
Arsenal's Round of 16 Opponents
Arsenal faced a selection between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with draw-maker Ivan Rakitić assigning them the German side.
Kasper Hjulmand's team comfortably dispatched Olympiacos, whom Arsenal defeated 2–0 during the league phase, across two legs to secure their second straight last 16 appearance. However, Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen were eliminated by domestic competitors Bayern Munich.
The German club enters as significant underdogs for this encounter, currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga table. They should pose little threat to the Premier League frontrunners, who are gearing up for their first clash with Die Werkself since 2002.
Arsenal's Potential Quarterfinal Opponents
Arsenal's Potential Quarterfinal Opponents
Arsenal will gain significantly from Real Madrid and Manchester City being placed on the other half of the bracket. Instead, the Gunners, provided they advance past Leverkusen, will face either Sporting CP or Bodø/Glimt in the quarterfinals.
Sporting eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League in 2023, and delivered a determined finish to the league phase to secure automatic round of 16 qualification. After experiencing a decline following Rúben Amorim's departure, the Portuguese club appears to be recovering under Rui Borges' leadership.
A matchup with Sporting would feature Viktor Gyökeres facing his previous club.
Bodø carries the momentum, however, earning their last 16 spot through four straight wins against Man City, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan (twice). Kjetil Knutsen's team has captured neutral supporters' hearts, and they'll feel confident against any opponent on their synthetic pitch in the Arctic Circle.
Arsenal's Potential Semifinal Opponents
Arsenal's Potential Semifinal Opponents
Bodø's journey is extraordinary, and Arsenal might face challenges against Knutsen's squad should they defeat Sporting CP to continue their magical run.
Despite their quality, the Gunners will probably face a significant increase in competition level during the semifinals. A north London derby would be massive, even though the gap between them and Tottenham was evident again this weekend. Newcastle United and Atlético Madrid would present difficult two-legged opponents.
Arsenal might welcome a possible encounter with Barcelona, regardless of the exceptional attacking talent in Hansi Flick's squad. Their high defensive line could be exploited by opponents of the Gunners' standard.
Arsenal's Potential Final Opponents
Arsenal's Potential Final Opponents
Arsenal have clearly received a manageable path to Budapest, despite potential semifinal challenges, but this means numerous powerhouses await on the 'silver side' of the bracket.
Three teams could create the fourth all-English Champions League final, and first since Chelsea defeated Manchester City in Porto five years ago. The Blues might meet Liverpool in the quarterfinals, while City must overcome Real Madrid and likely Bayern Munich to reach the semifinals.
Paris Saint-Germain also remain in contention, but the defending champions lack their previous season's dominance. They've been matched against Chelsea in the last 16, while Galatasaray, who barely survived against Juventus in the playoffs, will face Liverpool. Atalanta will probably be overwhelmed by Bayern despite mounting an incredible comeback against Die Roten's main title challengers this season, Borussia Dortmund.