Liverpool’s route to Champions League glory compared to Arsenal’s as clubs could meet in final

Liverpool and Arsenal are the last remaining Premier League clubs in the Champions League

Liverpool and Arsenal are the two remaining English sides in the Champions League, positioned on opposite ends of the tournament draw. Both teams recently progressed to the quarter-finals, while four other Premier League outfits were eliminated in the last 16.

Liverpool boast a rich European history, though they’ve struggled to match Arsenal’s consistency this campaign. Arne Slot’s side finished third in the group stage but had to bounce back from a first-leg loss to Galatasaray in the round of 16.

The Gunners have been near impeccable in European play, leading the group stage with an unblemished record and defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the knockout stages. Mikel Arteta’s squad secured a straightforward 2-0 home victory over Leverkusen in the second leg, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate win.

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Liverpool are looking to lift their seventh European Cup in Budapest this year. Meanwhile, Arsenal are aiming to clinch the Champions League for the first time. Here, the ECHO contrasts the two clubs’ respective paths to Champions League success.

Liverpool

Quarter-final – Paris Saint-Germain

Slot’s side theoretically face a tough challenge against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. The French outfit demolished Chelsea in the previous round, progressing with a commanding 8-2 aggregate triumph.

Meanwhile, Liverpool demonstrated their lasting quality with a 4-0 home victory over Galatasaray and have some grounds for optimism, despite their disappointing league form.

The club were eliminated by PSG in the round of 16 last year but took Luis Enrique’s side to the wire, whilst Newcastle managed to hold the same opponents to a draw in this season’s group stage.

However, the fixture schedule doesn’t favour Liverpool, who face Manchester City in the FA Cup shortly before the first leg in Paris on April 8. Liverpool will then host Fulham before the second leg, a crucial match in the club’s quest to secure a Champions League place.

Anfield will seek to produce a memorable evening against PSG on April 14, which could result in a surprise triumph for the six-time winners.

Semi-final – Bayern Munich

If Liverpool can get past PSG, the current Premier League champions will meet either Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Real knocked out Manchester City in the round of 16 but have been inconsistent at times this season, whilst Bayern were clinical against Atalanta and have been more reliable in the Champions League.

The FA Cup could also influence Liverpool’s chances but the club are presently scheduled to meet Crystal Palace before the Champions League semi-final first legs. Significantly, Slot’s side will face bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford ahead of the return leg.

Liverpool will be outsiders to advance against either Real or Bayern. Nevertheless, the club have delivered Champions League magic on countless occasions over the years.

Final – Arsenal

Should Liverpool reach the final, supporters may feel their name is meant to be on the trophy once more. Arsenal are the most accomplished side on their half of the bracket and are most likely to advance to the final at the Puskas Arena on May 30.

The final will take place the weekend following the conclusion of the Premier League season, meaning any possible title celebrations would be long finished. Liverpool, should they reach it, would hope that the circumstances can work in their favour in their own improbable pursuit of European glory.

Arsenal

Quarter-final – Sporting CP

The Gunners are expected to be strong favourites to secure their spot in the semi-finals against the Portuguese team. Sporting overturned a three-goal deficit against surprise contenders Bodo/Glimt in the previous round, winning the second leg 5-0 at home after extra-time, but are unlikely to spring a surprise victory against Arsenal.

The Premier League leaders will head into the first leg in Lisbon on April 7, having had the chance to rest players in their FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton a few days prior.

The side then face Bournemouth at home before their second encounter with Sporting at the Emirates Stadium on April 15, which shouldn’t prevent Arsenal from securing their semi-final place in the return leg.

Semi-final – Barcelona

Arsenal will face either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, with Barca regarded as the favourites to knock out Diego Simeone’s side. The Catalan giants boast dazzling attacking prowess but notably suffered a 3-0 defeat by Chelsea in the group stage.

There is the added complexity of the FA Cup semi-finals, should Arsenal remain in the competition, ahead of the semi-final first legs on April 28 and 29. The Gunners are currently scheduled to face Newcastle at home on Saturday, April 25.

Arsenal also host Fulham before the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals. A genuine test of the side’s credentials, the combination of the Gunners’ stingy defence and the pace at their disposal to exploit Barcelona’s backline should guide the club to the Champions League final.

Final – Bayern Munich

The German side may have PSG, Real Madrid and Liverpool in their half of the draw, but Vincent Kompany’s team have been virtually flawless in the Champions League. Their sole defeat came in a 3-1 reverse against Arsenal in November, which would set up a fascinating final.

Arteta has already guided his side past Bayern and they also eliminated Real Madrid last season. There could be no better opportunity for the Gunners to establish themselves as the premier side in European football.