Barcelona and Arsenal could be set to meet in the Champions League this season if both teams make it through their quarter-final ties.
The Catalan giants are up against Atletico in the next round, while Arsenal face a tricky test against Bayern Munich.
Arsenal topped the group phase with a 100% record but haven’t been at their best so far in 2026 and have just lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City.
Former forward Paul Merson has spoken about the potential Champions League match-up and doesn’t
fancy Barcelona’s chances following the loss to City.
“It’s a sore one for Arsenal. It’s a confidence-sapping defeat because you come in the dressing room after that and think: oh my God, we just got destroyed in the second half,” he told Sky Sports.
“Will it impact the Premier League? Arsenal are too good for the other teams they have to play against in the run-in, so they will beat those teams. But watching that game and that second half, I don’t see Arsenal winning anything else but the Premier League.
“Man City are still in the FA Cup. Watching that game, you’d be shocked if Arsenal went back to Wembley and beat them.
“And then in the Champions League, I look at Barcelona – who Arsenal are on course to play in the semi-finals – and Arsenal haven’t got the pace to trouble Barcelona’s high line.
“The forward players aren’t electric – they’re not like Anthony Elanga or Anthony Gordon who caused Barcelona problems in the last 16. I dread to think what Barcelona could do to Arsenal.”
How do you think Barcelona would get on against Arsenal if they were to meet in the Champions League? Share your predictions in the comments below!
