Champions League draw: Arsenal discover opponents 

The draw for the knock-out stages of the Champions League has been made: Find out who Arsenal will face in the Round of 16 

The draw was aided by Arsenal legend Robert Pires, who spoke positively about Mikel Arteta's side that finished top of the 36 team league stage.

Gunners icon Pires said when asked if Arsenal are favourites to win through to the lift the trophy at the final in Budapest in May, said: "I want to say yes, they played eight wins, scored 23 and only conceded four - this is a great performance from [Mikel] Arteta and the players.

"But now this is a new competion and new pressure so it is not the same [as the group stages].

"Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich are the favourites."

Pires added: "If you want to reach the final then everything is very important. You need to be consistent. Sometines it is very difficult. You need to find the balance. You need talent. 

"This competition is very attractive." 

The draw in Nyon on Frioday morning confirmed that the split for the play-off matches pitted Borussia Dortmund vs Olympiakos, with Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen as the two ties that would see the winners either face Arsenal or Bayern Munich. 

So. Arsenal will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund vs Olympiacos OrAtalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen With the Champions League draw to be made on Friday, February 27 once we know the winners of the play-off games

— Layth (@laythy29) January 30, 2026