Champions League Draw: Arsenal’s Possible Opponents in Last-16 Knockout Stage
Arsenal have secured their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a record that’s nothing short of perfect in this new league phase format.
They’ve topped the league standings with a flawless seven out of seven wins , racking up a massive 21 points and a healthy goal difference of +18 (20 goals scored, 2 conceded).
This achievement has guaranteed them a seeded position for the Round of 16 , so they get to host the 2nd leg of their knockout tie.
Arsenal’s campaign has been pretty special so far, with some real standout performances against top-class oppositions including a 3-1 win over Inter Milan (that was a real scalp getting beaten at the San Siro) , Bayern Munich , and Atletico Madrid.
A couple of headers from Gabriel Jesus and a strike from Viktor Gyokeres were the highlights of their dominant 3-1 win at the San Siro against Inter.
All that’s left to play out is their final league phase match against Kairat Almaty (which will be a bit of a dead rubber) and Arsenal will still top the league with a point to spare, though it wont change their last 16 opponents.
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Champions League Last 16 Draw Details
The last 16 draw is scheduled for Friday 27th February 2026. The first legs will take place on either the 10th or 11th March (we’ll have to wait and see) , and the return legs a week later on either the 17th or 18th March
As a top 8 finisher (seeded) Arsenal will get a top 8 team who have come through the play off knocks. These play-offs feature teams finishing 9th to 24th in the league phase and are played on the 17th / 18th February (first legs) and the 24th / 25th February ( second legs).
Potential Opponents for Arsenal in the Last 16
Arsenal cant get any of the other top 8 teams as opponents, instead they will get whoever comes through one of the play off ties. The play off draw is on Friday 30th January 2026 , after the league phase finishes on 28th January
The current standings show which teams are likely to be in the play off mix , including teams like Juventus , Borussia Dortmund , Galatasaray and others like Liverpool , Real Madrid , PSG and Manchester City (subject to the final results of course)
The exact play off matchups and winners will determine who Arsenal get, but at least the Gunners are safe from getting another top side in the top 8 and will get to host the second leg at home.
This all looks good for Arsenal as they avoid a crowded February in terms of fixtures and have a pretty clear path to the Quarters now. Theyre looking strong in Europe and have to be considered serious contenders in the knockout stages from here on in.
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Champions League Draw: Arsenal’s Possible Opponents in Last-16 Knockout Stage