Arsenal will meet either Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16 after the knockout play-offs, with Friday’s draw in Nyon set to decide Arteta’s side’s path to the quarter-finals
Arsenal’s Champions League route is narrowing. After the knockout phase play-offs, Arteta’s side now know they will face either Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday 27 February at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.
The two potential opponents are now set after a decisive midweek. Leverkusen progressed on Tuesday night, completing a 2-0 aggregate win over Olympiacos after a 0-0 draw in Germany. Atalanta then joined the last-16 field tonight by overturning a first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund, winning 4-1 on the night to go through 4-3 on aggregate.
When will the ties be played?
UEFA’s calendar has the Round Of 16 ties taking place over two weeks in March. The first legs are scheduled for 10 and 11 March, with the second legs on 17 and 18 March.
Under the competition’s current seeding model, Arsenal will learn not only the opponent but also how the bracket will unfold around them for the remainder of the knockout rounds.
What Arsenal could get: Atalanta or Leverkusen
From Arsenal’s perspective, the contrast in styles is obvious.Atalanta, winners of last season’s Europa League, are typically aggressive without the ball and direct when they regain it. Their comeback against Dortmund, driven by tempo and energy, offered a reminder of how quickly knockout ties can swing when momentum turns.
Leverkusen represent a different kind of test. Xabi Alonso’s side reached the last 16 with a controlled two-leg performance against Olympiacos and arrive with a recent run of home clean sheets across competitions, underlining the defensive organisation that has become a feature of their European work.
The immediate focus: clarity, not guesswork
The main point for Arsenal is certainty is close. Friday’s draw will settle who they face and what the path looks like beyond it, at a stage of the tournament where small scheduling and game-state details can shape a tie as much as the name on the team sheet. Arsenal have avoided the play-offs by finishing in the league-phase top eight. The reward now is a last-16 tie that offers a clear route to April, provided they handle whichever of Atalanta or Leverkusen is placed in front of them.