Arsenal and Liverpool both now have more clarity about their potential path in the Champions LeagueArsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are already in the Champions League first knockout round, but Newcastle United face a two-legged play-off tie to make it five Premier League clubs in the last 16. Newcastle already knew they would face either Monaco or Qarabag, as they finished 21st and 22nd, respectively, in the league phase, with PSG to play the other. As for the league phase-topping Arsenal, one of Atalanta, Dortmund, Leverkusen, or Olympiacos awaits them in March. Sporting will also play one of those four after finishing a place above Pep Guardiola's side in the league phase. They will then find out for sure after the draw on February 27, when the potential quarter-finals and semi-finals will also become clear.

Source: Express January 30, 2026 11:49 UTC