Arsenal’s Route to the 2025–26 Champions League Final

By James Cormack, Sports Illustrated FC

Friday’s draw in Nyon has only intensified the belief that Arsenal’s name is already being etched on the trophy. Mikel Arteta’s side, unbeaten through the league phase and fresh from sweeping aside Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, were rewarded with the kindest possible path to the final in Budapest on 30 May 2026.

Round of 16: Bayer Leverkusen Draw-maker Ivan Rakitić handed the Gunners a tie against Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, currently sixth in the Bundesliga and conquerors of Olympiacos in the previous round. Arsenal’s last meeting with Die Werkself came in 2002; few expect the Germans to derail the Premier League leaders over two legs.

Quarter-final: Sporting CP or Bodø/Glimt Should Arsenal advance, they will face either Sporting CP—who eliminated them from the 2023 Europa League under former coach Rúben Amorim—or the story of the season, Bodø/Glimt. Kjetil Knutsen’s Norwegian champions reached the last 16 by beating Manchester City, Atlético and Inter Milan twice, all on their artificial Arctic turf. A reunion with Sporting would pit ex-Gunner Viktor Gyökeres against his old club, while Bodø’s high-tempo style promises a different kind of examination.

Semi-final: North London derby or European heavyweights The draw’s split bracket keeps Real Madrid and Manchester City on the opposite side, but a step up in class still awaits. Tottenham, Newcastle United or Atlético Madrid lurk, while Barcelona—despite their high line—would offer Arsenal a chance to exploit Hansi Flick’s aggressive approach. A north London derby at this stage would be seismic, though the recent league meeting suggested a widening gulf.

Final implications With Chelsea, Liverpool, City and Bayern Munich stacked on the ‘silver side’ of the draw, Arsenal have avoided the continent’s sharpest knives until a potential final. Paris Saint-Germain, the holders, look less imposing than a year ago and must first navigate Chelsea. Atalanta, likely to fall to Bayern, complete the list of possible final opponents.

Arteta’s squad, chasing an unprecedented quadruple, will not admit it publicly, but the road to Budapest appears as smooth as any Champions League campaign can offer. Eight wins from eight in the league phase bought them breathing room; now the draw has handed them the keys. The only question left is whether Arsenal can keep their foot on the accelerator all the way to the Puskás Aréna.