Arsenal will discover their UEFA Champions League league-phase opponents on Thursday evening in Monaco, and a Paris Saint Germain rematch is one of the possibilities. Mikel Arteta's side were within touching distance of the trophy last season, taking the lead in the final against PSG before losing on penalties.
PSG and Spanish heavyweights are on the list
PSG are one of Arsenal's possible Pot 1 opponents, which would recreate last season's final in Budapest. Standard Sport's Matt Verri wrote that "PSG are favourites to be crowned European champions for a third season in a row but Arsenal look set to be one of their main rivals again this season." Arsenal could also face Barcelona, along with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, from Pot 1.
The draw format gives Arsenal a broader set of possible routes than the old group stage. The competition now uses a 36-team league phase, with clubs facing two teams from each of the four pots. Manchester City and Liverpool are also in Pot 1, but clubs from the same country cannot face each other in the league phase.
That leaves Arsenal with a draw that could be awkward in more than one direction. PSG is the obvious headline because of what happened in the final, but the pot structure means the Spanish names are sitting there too, and Monaco could produce a very heavy path.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
