Arsenal’s eight opponents for the group stage of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League have been revealed.
UEFA Champions League’s new format explained
The UEFA committee has introduced a new format for the Champions League starting from this edition, marking a significant shift from the traditional group stage structure. Instead of the usual eight groups of four teams, the competition will now feature a 36-team league stage, expanding the tournament from 32 to 36 teams.
In this new format, the 36 teams are divided into four pots of nine, based on their UEFA club coefficient rankings. Each team is then drawn to face two different opponents from each of the four pots, with one match played at home and the other away. This means that every club will participate in eight games during the league phase—four at home and four away.
The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the round of 16, while those that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from all European competition. The teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will compete in a two-legged play-off to secure their spot in the round of 16.
Arsenal to face Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, and Inter Milan
Arsenal, who have been placed in Pot 1, are preparing for an exciting and challenging Champions League campaign. The draw has pitted them against tough opponents such as Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, and Inter Milan.
The Gunners will have some tough away days in Italy, where they will face reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan and Atalanta. Travelling to Portugal and Spain to face Sporting Lisbon and Girona respectively won’t be easy either. Arsenal’s home fixtures seem relatively easier, with PSG the major clash.
Arsenal are still chasing their first Champions League trophy and Mikel Arteta will be desperate to bring European Glory to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta has built a strong squad who are ready to compete for silverware on all fronts. Following the arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, Arsenal fans will be hoping that their team has enough quality to life the ever elusive Champions League trophy.
Arsenal’s league phase opponents for the 24/25 UEFA Champions League
The exact order of matches, dates and kick-off times will be announced on Saturday.
Opponent One: Inter Milan (Away)
Opponent Two: Paris Saint-Germain (Home)
Opponent Three: Monaco (Home)
Opponent Four: Atalanta (Away)
Opponent Five: Dinamo Zagreb (Home)
Opponent Six: Sporting Lisbon (Away)
Opponent Seven: Girona (Away)
Opponent Eight: Shakhtar Donetsk (Home)
