Under the new format, the Gunners’ potential route to this season’s Champions League final has already been mapped out.
Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the quarter-final, meaning a return to familiar surroundings for Viktor Gyokeres after his former club staged a sensational comeback against Bodo/Glimt.
As a result of finishing top in the league phase, Arsenal will have the advantage of playing the second leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium.
A homecoming awaits Viktor Gyokeres in the Champions League quarter-finals
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
In fact, the Gunners will have home advantage throughout the knockout phase thanks to a new rule implemented by UEFA at the start of the campaign.
Things then become very tricky in a potential semi-final Arsenal could come up against Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in what would be a major test of their European credentials.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are among those on the other side of the draw, with Bayern, arguably, currently the strongest of those sides.
That could leave Arsenal taking on the six-time winners – with the likes of Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise in their ranks – in the 2026 Champions League final.
Arsenal’s potential path to Champions League final:
Quarter-finals: Sporting CP