Arsenal's best and worst route to Champions League glory as pathway confirmed
Arsenal have now discovered their proposed route to this season's Champions League final after the draw for the knockout stages was completed on Friday morning.
After finishing in the top eight in the revamped league phase, the Gunners earned themselves an advantage with the second leg being played at the Emirates Stadium in the round of 16. The only certainty at this stage is that the north London club will be playing PSV Eindhoven next up.
The Dutch club overturned a first leg deficit to beat Juventus 3-1 on the night to beat the Italian giants 4-3 on aggregate. UEFA also completed a holding draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the competition so football.london has taken a look at the best and worst possible route Arsenal have if they are going to lift the Champions League this season;
READ MORE: Arsenal set for another Champions League boost as three return from injury at the perfect time
Best route to glory
Quarter-finals - Atletico Madrid
If Arsenal make it to the last eight and face Atletico they will be fully aware that the Madrid club will be no mugs. However, considering their opponents in the round of 16, Arsenal would much prefer facing Diego Simeone's side.
Atletico are currently in a three-horse race to lift La Liga alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. They also boast the likes of former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher in their squad.
Semi-finals - Club Brugge
It would, arguably, be a miracle if the Belgian team managed to reach the last four of the competition considering who is in their side of the draw. They are currently a distant second in their domestic league, but upset the odds to comfortably knock Atalanta out of Europe this month.
Among their notable players is former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Final - Feyenoord or Lille
If Arsenal were to meet either of these sides in the final they would be considered favourites for the competition. Feyenoord would be a feisty game considering former Gunners striker Robin van Persie is set to become their new manager, after an agreement was reached this week.
Lille are struggling in Ligue 1 but have saved some of their best performances for the Champions League. Ironically, they thrashed Feyenoord in the league phase 6-1 with Jonathan David their clear dangerman.
Worst route to glory
Quarter-finals - Real Madrid
They were off their game in the early stages of the league phase, but quickly found their feet as the season has worn on. And against Manchester City, they were sensational and have an array of attacking talent to call upon.
Arsenal may feel that they can try and exploit their defence, if this meeting were to happen, but Los Blancos are understandably one of the favourites to win the whole competition.
Semi-finals - Liverpool
An all English semi-final would be a brilliant spectacle for supporters of the Premier League, but the Gunners would hope to avoid it. Arne Slot's side are arguably the only team not to hit a sticky patch of form this season.
The worst they have had has been in recent weeks, but they still command a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League. At least Arteta's men would not be hit with any surprises.
Final - Barcelona or Inter Milan
Were they to face Barcelona it would be a repeat of the 2006 Champions League final which the Catalan giants obviously won. As well as being a tricky fixture, it would see broadcasters look on enviously as CBS Sports utilise Thierry Henry's expertise on both clubs.
They currently top La Liga, albeit it is a close contest between them and the two Madrid clubs. Inter, meanwhile, have experience of going deep into this competition in recent years and will feel they can go one step better this time out.
Inter are just two points off leaders Napoli in Italy and will be eyeing a sensational treble this campaign.
