The UEFA Champions League is back, and football fans around the world are eagerly following the drama, excitement, and unexpected twists that unfold on Europe’s grandest stage. In this season’s edition, Arsenal finds themselves in the mix, aiming to reclaim their former glory.

Group Stage Battles

Arsenal, alongside other Premier League giants like Manchester City and Manchester United, is part of the group stage. The Gunners have returned after a 20-year absence, and their fans are hoping for a triumphant campaign. Let’s take a closer look at their group:

• Group G: Arsenal faces RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, and Young Boys. With a strong squad and experienced manager, they’ll fancy their chances of progressing with ease.

Unexpected Defeat in Porto

In a medieval tale of unexpected defeat, Arsenal faced FC Porto in Portugal. The Drago Stadium, where dragons are said to reside, witnessed a shocking turn of events. Despite being favorites, Arsenal stumbled, leaving fans in disbelief. The 90-minute battle ended with Porto securing a victory, leaving the Gunners with work to do in the knockout stages¹.

Missing Legends

This season, we won’t witness Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi gracing the Champions League. Ronaldo now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while Messi has taken his talents to Inter Miami in the United States. Neymar and Karim Benzema have also joined the Saudi Pro League. However, we still have stars like Kylian Mbappe (PSG) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City) to keep us enthralled.

Key Dates

• Matchday One: 19-20 September
• Last 16: 13-14, 20-21 February 2024 and 5-6, 12-13 March
• Quarter-finals: 9-10, 16-17 April
• Semi-finals: 30 April, 1 May, 7-8 May
• Final: 1 June (held at Wembley)

Favorites to Lift the Trophy

According to simulations based on Gracenote’s Euro Club Index, Manchester City leads the pack with a 37% chance of victory. Real Madrid (13%) and Bayern Munich (11%) follow closely. Interestingly, there’s a 19% chance that a new name will grace the Champions League trophy this season².

As Arsenal fans hold their breath, hoping for a resurgence, the Champions League continues to deliver surprises, heartaches, and moments of brilliance. Whether the Gunners can overcome their Porto setback and emerge as true contenders remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the quest for European glory is well underway, and Arsenal is in the thick of it.