Sporting CP’s memorable come-from-behind victory over Bodø/Glimt means Arsenal will face them in the last eight of the Champions League if they advance.
If Arsenal advance, they will face Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals (Image: AFP or licensor)
Arsenal’s path to the Champions League final has become clearer, with Sporting CP set to be their opponents in the quarter-finals if they defeat Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are currently level on points with the German side heading into tonight’s second leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side saved themselves from a first-leg draw last week thanks to Kai Havertz’s penalty against his former club. Just after half-time, Robert Andrich put the Bundesliga side ahead and Havertz came off the bench and gave it his all for the night.
The draw marked the first time Arsenal have failed to win in Europe’s prestigious competition this season. They went through the league in perfect form, winning all eight games, scoring 23 goals and conceding only four.
read more: Kyle Walker explains why Arsenal are not the most difficult team to play in the Premier Leagueread more: 11 Arsenal stars could be sold as Andrea Berta reveals his transfer priorities
This year, the path to the finals at the end of May has already been decided. Arteta’s side are in a different league to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
In the same slot are Newcastle, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sporting CP. After a 1-1 draw between Barcelona and Newcastle in the first leg, we’re all looking forward to the game in Spain, with Atlético traveling to north London to face Tottenham, who lead 5-2.
In the quarter-finals, Arsenal will face Sporting, who made a stunning comeback in Tuesday night’s second leg. Bodo/Glimt had a strong showing at home in the Champions League, leading Portugal 3-0, but lost 5-0 to Portugal and were eliminated from the competition.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
Victor Goqueres’ former club Sporting won in extra time with goals from Gonzalo Inacio, Pote, Luis Suárez, Maxi Araujo and Rafael Nel.
If Arsenal win, their two consecutive matches against Sporting will be played on April 7th-8th and 14th-15th.
In 2023, the Portuguese giants eliminated Arsenal from the last 16 of the Europa League on penalties after two draws.
Sporting CP celebrates 4-0 win against Bodo/Glimt (Image: AP)
In the other quarter-final, Athletic Madrid will face the winner between Barcelona and Newcastle, barring a dramatic upset by Spurs. Arteta’s side will play the winners of the tie in the semi-finals, before facing the winners from the other side of the bracket.
In the final, PSG scored two quick goals against Chelsea to win 7-2 on aggregate and have a very good chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid will also join them and will face the winner of Bayern Munich and Atalanta, with the former winning 6-1.
Watch Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TNT Sports
£30.99
TNT Sports
Click here for TNT Sports
Arsenal will advance to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League and will face Bayer Leverkusen on March 17th. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.
