Champions League last 16 draw as it stands with Arsenal and Liverpool paths clear
All six Premier League teams have advanced to the last-16 stage of the Champions League, with Liverpool and Arsenal aware of their potential opponents ahead of the draw.
The Champions League's last-16 draw is taking shape, with four teams, including Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt, and Newcastle United having secured their spots. Newcastle United achieved this after defeating Qarabag 3-2, resulting in a 9-3 aggregate win, thus completing a remarkable journey for all six Premier League clubs that entered the tournament. This demonstrates the growing dominance of the Premier League in European competitions.
Liverpool and Arsenal find their paths clearly defined as they prepare for the upcoming draw, which will take place on Friday. This year's Champions League format, revamped from last season, replaces the traditional random draw with one that pairs teams based on their performances in the league phase. This regulatory change aims to enhance competitive balance while providing teams with a clearer understanding of whom they may face in the knockout stage of the competition.
As the anticipation builds for the draw, there's also the looming possibility that two Premier League teams could face off against each other in the knockout stage. Such matchups could lead to exhilarating encounters and add to the excitement surrounding the tournament as it progresses towards its climax. The Premier League's strong performance in Europe further solidifies its reputation as one of the most competitive leagues in world football.