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THE PRESTIGIOUS TROPHY 🏆
Hello, Hive football fanatics and proud Arsenal Gunners worldwide! 🌍⚽ Welcome to the electrifying heart of my blog 
THE FULL DRAW MAYHEM
Arsenal,who topped the league phase with a perfect 8/8 wins,landed Bayer Leverkusen,the Bundesliga powerhouse who scraped through playoffs by ousting Olympiacos 2-0 aggregate.
First leg:The Gunners would be playing away at BayArena (high-pressure start), second leg at Emirates for home glory. Arteta's attack (league phase top scorers) now faces Kasper Hjulmand's counter machine,expect fireworks! No more Xabi Alonso (left 2025 for Real Madrid; Hjulmand took over Sept 2025.
Looking at the structure above,the winner between Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen, would meet the winner between Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting Lisbon.
I can confidently say Arsenal's bracket looks favorable,no early Machester City or Real Madrid clash, potential Quarter Final vs Bodø/Glimt (league phase minnows), semis vs Newcastle/Barca crew. Final in Budapest, May 2026.
Gunners fans,this is your moment,Leverkusen hasn't faced Premier League giants like this since 2002 (Arsenal won 4-1 back then). Hjulmand, Leverkusen (ex-Denmark, Euro semis) brings structure, but mid-table Bundesliga form screams vulnerability to Arsenal's pressing style.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
27 Feb 2002 (UEFA Champions League, Second Group Stage): Arsenal 4-1 Leverkusen at Highbury. Thierry Henry scored twice in this crucial win that helped Arsenal advance.
7 Aug 2024 (Club Friendly): Arsenal 4-1 Leverkusen at Emirates. Goals from Zinchenko, Trossard, Jesus, and Havertz; Leverkusen got a late consolation.
These results fuel the hype for this post,a perfect "history repeats" angle against Hjulmand's side!
COYG!!!🔥🔥🔥
First Leg: BayArena, 10/11 March 2026 (Arsenal away).
Second Leg: Emirates, 17/18 March 2026.
Thank you Hive football ⚽ lovers for reading my post.Would be giving you juicy updates as the competition progresses. Yours truly,
PHOTO CREDIT: UEFA