The Champions League playoff draw ceremony, held on February 27 in Nyon, not only determined the pairs for the Round of 16 but also outlined the route for all participants up to the decisive match in Budapest.
The main conclusion drawn by bookmakers and analysts following the draw is that Arsenal has landed in the most favorable half of the bracket and has become the undisputed favorite of the entire tournament.
The following matchups for the first round of the playoffs were determined by the draw:
PSG (France) — Chelsea (England);
Galatasaray (Turkey) — Liverpool (England);
Real Madrid (Spain) — Manchester City (England);
Atalanta (Italy) — Bayern Munich (Germany);
Newcastle United (England) — Barcelona (Spain);
Atletico Madrid (Spain) — Tottenham Hotspur (England);
Bodo/Glimt (Norway) — Sporting (Portugal);
Bayer 04 (Germany) — Arsenal (England).
Odds and Predictions
After the draw, bookmakers updated their odds for the Champions League winner. Arsenal became the clear leader. In the BetBoom bookmaker, the odds for the London team's ultimate triumph are 3.51. This high status as a favorite is explained not only by the favorable draw but also by their perfect performance in the group stage, where the Gunners won eight out of eight possible matches.
The top three contenders are rounded out by:
Bayern Munich — 6.52;
Barcelona — 7.52.
Next on the list of favorites are Manchester City (9.03), PSG and Liverpool (both at 11.03), as well as Real Madrid (13.04).
The Round of 16 matches will take place on March 10–11 and 17–18. The Champions League final for the 2025/2026 season will be held on May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
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