The route to the Champions League final has now been mapped out after Friday’s draw, and Arsenal have subsequently discovered who they will face in the round of 16.
The Gunners strolled through the league phase of Europe’s elite competition, finishing top of the pile and winning all eight matches in the process. Statement victories over Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Atletico stood out in what was an extremely impressive campaign for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Arsenal shipped just four goals in eight matches, the fewest in the league phase, whilst they also scored more goals than any other team. They are now favourites to go all the way and win the competition, and they’ll certainly be confident of progressing into the quarter-finals at the very least after finding out who they will face at this stage.
Arsenal become the first team to finish the league phase with a 100% record 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/wcuQqZPEf6
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 28, 2026
Arsenal to face Atalanta/Bayer Leverkusen in round of 16 of the Champions League
24 teams progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, with 16 of these taking part in a play-off round in the last two weeks. The likes of Inter, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were knocked out at this stage and won’t take part in the round of 16.
Arsenal’s first-place finish means they’ve been rewarded with a game against a side that had to take on this play-off round. After today’s draw, it’s now been confirmed that the Gunners will face Bayer Leverkusen over two legs.
The first will take place in Germany on either the 10th or 11th March, while the second leg will be held at the Emirates on the 18th or 19th.
Bayer Leverkusen currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga, although they’re only four points behind Stuttgart in fourth, and managed to beat Manchester City back in November.
Die Werkself have some dangerous players in the form of Patrick Schick and Alejandro Grimaldo, although Arsenal shouldn’t fear Kasper Hjulmand’s side, as they’ve lost the bulk of the squad that beat Bayern Munich to the title in the 2023/24 season. Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie and Victor Boniface have all left, as well as head coach Xabi Alonso.
Leverkusen secure their place in the round of 16 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/ZCOWB0FlZ7
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 24, 2026
Arsenal’s route to the Champions League final confirmed
The bracket has already been mapped out all the way to the final, so Arsenal have a good idea of who they could meet if they continue to progress through the competition.
If they beat Leverkusen, they will then face the winners of the tie between Bodo/Glimt and Sporting in the quarter-final.
If they can overcome that potential tie, then Arteta’s men will then play one of Barcelona, Newcastle United, Tottenham or Atletico Madrid in the semi-final.
It’s a long road to Budapest, but it certainly has the potential to shape up to be a special season for the Gunners.
