Two days after a wild finish to the second season of the Champions League league part, the draw for the knockout part play-offs has been set, and Arsenal’s subsequent potential opponents are set.
The Gunners will face considered one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, or Bayer Leverkusen within the spherical of 16. It’s a good return for having completed on the prime of the league part desk, because the Gunners keep away from one of many prime sides which have
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Knee jerk reactions to the knockout fixtures:
Actual Madrid vs Benfica – 9/10
The soccer gods could be merciless at instances, however often, they’re fairly hilarious. Actual Madrid drawing the identical facet that dealt them a demoralizing loss on the ultimate match day of the league part is pure footballing poetry. Benfica earned their knockout spot with a final gasp header by their goalkeeper, including one other chapter to Jose Mourniho’s villainous arc. The winner faces both Manchester Metropolis or Sporting.
AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain – 7/10
PSG are actually the favorites on this tie, however a conflict between home rivals can all the time deliver out a little bit of unpredictability and intrigue. Monaco have already beat PSG as soon as within the league this season, so this one might be a bit extra enjoyable. PSG are the straightforward selection, which might make the following spherical exceptionally spicy, because the winner faces both Chelsea or Barcelona.
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Galatasary vs Juventus – 7/10
Any knockout tie that includes a Turkish membership is sure to be entertaining. Galatasary are stuffed with expertise and host the primary leg. They may little doubt go full tilt to take a lead into the second leg in opposition to two-time CL winners Juve. The Italian facet has struggled a bit this season and lack a little bit of their historic chunk. The winner goes on to face both Tottenham or Liverpool.
FK Qarabag vs Newcastle United – 6/10
Newcastle is the one Premier League facet that completed exterior of the highest 8, so that they should endure two tiring playoff legs. Qarabag is a reasonably respectable draw from a aggressive standpoint, however the journey to Azerbaijan and again throughout a congested fixture listing may show difficult because the Magpies look to climb again right into a Champions League spot within the Premier League. The winner faces both Chelsea or Barcelona within the subsequent spherical.
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Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund – 8/10
The intrigue for that is purely primarily based on the truth that Arsenal may doubtlessly face the winner. Dortmund have been a far cry from the dynamic, talent-laden sides from years previous, whereas Atalanta might even see star participant Ademola Lookman off to a brand new membership as he’s closely linked to Fenerbahce.
Membership Brugge vs Atletico Madrid – 6/10
Two of the golf equipment Arsenal confronted within the league part face off for an opportunity to proceed to the spherical of 16. There’s not a ton of intrigue on this match, although the winner will go on to face considered one of Tottenham or Liverpool. So regardless of who wins, they may have Arsenal’s full assist within the subsequent spherical. Atleti are seemingly favorites to win this.
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Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan – 8/10
Bodo/Glimt have been one of many darlings of the match. Wins over Manchester Metropolis and Atletico Madrid of their remaining two league part matches punched their ticket to the knockouts and have grow to be this season’s cinderella story. Inter Milan missed out on a prime 8 spot by a single level and can most likely have some extent to show after taking part in in final season’s remaining. The winner faces both Manchester Metropolis or Sporting.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos – 7/10
One other matchup the place the winner is a possible opponent for the Gunners. Bayer are a bit erratic, having bested Manchester Metropolis whereas additionally getting thrashed 7-2 by PSG. The 2 sides confronted off within the seventh match of the league part with the Greek giants popping out on prime 2-0. If we’re choosing sides we’d relatively face, Bayer is the popular possibility.
Which tie are you guys trying ahead to? Tell us within the feedback!