Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen looking to progress in the Champions League

As the Champions League moves into the high-stakes knock-out rounds, all eyes are on North London.

Following a flawless league phase where Mikel Arteta’s side made history with eight wins from eight, Arsenal arrive in the Round of 16 not just as contenders, but as the 5/2 tournament favourites with bet365.

Their immediate hurdle is a reunion with Bayer Leverkusen, a side undergoing a period of transition and currently balancing a domestic battle for European qualification.

With the Gunners bolstered by returning stars and the luxury of squad rotation following their FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town, the stage is set for a pivotal first leg at the BayArena on March 11.

Arsenal are priced at 8/15 to win the first leg in Germany and 1/12 to qualify with bet365 .

Here's everything you need to know about the Champions League knock-out stages for Arsenal in 2026

The view from Reach PLC's chief Arsenal reporter, Tom Canton:

Arsenal head into the Champions League knockout stages as strong favourites for the competition, and their Round of 16 draw against Bayer Leverkusen looks favourable on paper.

While the Gunners have been imperious, Leverkusen are a very different team from the one that won the title, having lost many of their stars since that victory. Xabi Alonso’s side only narrowly squeezed past Olympiacos in the play-offs and currently find themselves in a "must-win" domestic battle for European qualification.

In contrast, Arsenal have the benefit of an FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town the weekend prior to the first leg, which should allow plenty of key stars to be rested. With the talent at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, this is a tie the Gunners should win, and win well.

A major boost for the London side is the return of Kai Havertz. The former Bayer Leverkusen player has returned from injury at a vital time and could be pivotal in providing the additional firepower and technical ability Arsenal have lacked up top of late.

While Patrik Schick, a player previously linked with a move to North London, remains the obvious threat for the opposition, he has suffered from muscular issues recently and faces a race to be fit for the game.

The current cup format seems to suit Arsenal’s style perfectly. They are already in the final of the Carabao Cup, through to the next round of the FA Cup, and maintained a flawless record in the league phase including massive results against Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan.

A strong defence can often be the difference in European knockout football, and Arsenal possess exactly that. While they are the team the rest of the continent should fear most, Bayern Munich remain the European giant to watch out for as the tournament progresses.

Arsenal's potential route to the Champions League final:

Last 16 - Bayer Leverkusen

Quarter-finals - Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP

Semi-finals - Barcelona, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid or Tottenham

Final: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, Galatasaray or Bayern Munich

(Image: Getty)

To win the Champions League odds with bet365:

Arsenal 5/2

Bayern Munich 11/2

Barcelona 6/1

Man City 8/1

PSG 10/1

Liverpool 10/1

Real Madrid 12/1

Atletico Madrid 20/1

Chelsea 25/1

BAR 28/1

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