Did Arsenal get the easiest route? Fans react as UEFA Champions League last-16 draw sets up Premier League giants

The top football clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle now know their path in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. The last-16 draw recently took place in Nyon, Switzerland, after eight more teams advanced through the play-offs earlier this week. Europe’s biggest clubs are dreaming of glory, but many fans believe Arsenal may have received the most favourable route to the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest.

The Arsenal F.C., also known as The Gunners will now face Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. If they go through, they will meet either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting in the quarter-finals. Compared to some heavyweight clashes elsewhere in the draw, Arsenal’s path currently looks less intimidating on paper. However, in the Champions League, surprises are common, and every opponent demands respect.

Arsenal’s route under spotlight as heavyweights collide

Arsenal’s tie against Bayer Leverkusen has drawn attention because of what could follow. Should Mikel Arteta’s men progress, they would avoid Europe’s traditional giants in the quarter-finals. Instead, they would face the winners of Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting. Both sides have impressed this season, but neither carries the same European pedigree as clubs like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

Fans on X reacted to Arsenal's path in the Champions League. One user wrote, “Arsenal had the easiest side of the draw but we know what will happen at the end”, while another wrote, “Arsenal easy route as always”. One user commented, “That's the draw Arsenal deserve”. Another wrote, “Arsenal sneak in to the piss easiest bit of the draw, avoiding all the big guns”. Many others also reacted similarly.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been handed a blockbuster clash against Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola’s side were knocked out by the Spanish champions last season and will be eager for revenge. If City move forward, they could meet Bayern Munich or Atalanta in the next round, making their path significantly tougher.

There is also the possibility of an all-Premier League quarter-final. Chelsea must first overcome Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool take on Galatasaray. If both English sides win, they will face each other for a place in the semi-finals.

Newcastle, who beat Qarabag in the play-off round, will now face Barcelona. They previously lost to the Spanish giants in the league phase. If they manage to turn the tables this time, they could meet Tottenham in the quarter-finals. Spurs, who are fighting to avoid relegation domestically, must first get past Atletico Madrid.

The first legs of the last-16 ties will be played from March 9 to 11. The return matches are scheduled for March 16 to 18. The final will take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30.





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