Two days after a wild end to the second season of the Champions League league phase, the draw for the knockout phase play-offs has been set, and Arsenal’s next potential opponents are set.
The Gunners will face one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. It’s a fair return for having finished at the top of the league phase table, as the Gunners avoid one of the top sides that have
Knee jerk reactions to the knockout fixtures:
Real Madrid vs Benfica – 9/10
The football gods can be cruel at times, but occasionally, they are quite hilarious. Real Madrid drawing the same side that dealt them a demoralizing loss on the final match day of the league phase is pure footballing poetry. Benfica earned their knockout spot with a last gasp header by their goalkeeper, adding another chapter to Jose Mourniho’s villainous arc. The winner faces either Manchester City or Sporting.
AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain – 7/10
PSG are certainly the favorites in this tie, but a clash between domestic rivals can always bring out a bit of unpredictability and intrigue. Monaco have already beat PSG once in the league this season, so this one could be a bit more fun. PSG are the easy choice, which would make the next round exceptionally spicy, as the winner faces either Chelsea or Barcelona.
Galatasary vs Juventus – 7/10
Any knockout tie featuring a Turkish club is bound to be entertaining. Galatasary are full of talent and host the first leg. They will no doubt go full tilt to take a lead into the second leg against two-time CL winners Juve. The Italian side has struggled a bit this season and lack a bit of their historical bite. The winner goes on to face either Tottenham or Liverpool.
FK Qarabag vs Newcastle United – 6/10
Newcastle is the only Premier League side that finished outside of the top 8, so they will have to endure two tiring playoff legs. Qarabag is a pretty decent draw from a competitive standpoint, but the travel to Azerbaijan and back during a congested fixture list could prove tricky as the Magpies look to climb back into a Champions League spot in the Premier League. The winner faces either Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round.
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund – 8/10
The intrigue for this is purely based on the fact that Arsenal could potentially face the winner. Dortmund have been a far cry from the dynamic, talent-laden sides from years past, while Atalanta may see star player Ademola Lookman off to a new club as he is heavily linked to Fenerbahce.
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid – 6/10
Two of the clubs Arsenal faced in the league phase face off for a chance to continue to the round of 16. There’s not a ton of intrigue in this match, though the winner will go on to face one of Tottenham or Liverpool. So no matter who wins, they will have Arsenal’s full support in the next round. Atleti are likely favorites to win this.
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan – 8/10
Bodo/Glimt have been one of the darlings of the tournament. Wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in their final two league phase matches punched their ticket to the knockouts and have become this season’s cinderella story. Inter Milan missed out on a top 8 spot by a single point and will probably have a point to prove after playing in last season’s final. The winner faces either Manchester City or Sporting.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos – 7/10
Another matchup where the winner is a potential opponent for the Gunners. Bayer are a bit erratic, having bested Manchester City while also getting thrashed 7-2 by PSG. The two sides faced off in the 7th match of the league phase with the Greek giants coming out on top 2-0. If we are picking sides we’d rather face, Bayer is the preferred option.
Which tie are you guys looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!
