Not precisely.
Reigning champions Arsenal needed to kick off their marketing campaign towards report eight-time winners Lyon, who they beat within the semi-finals final season.
This time they misplaced they usually have been additionally overwhelmed by Bayern Munich within the league part, which means they’d work to do to qualify.
It was a nervy few months however victories towards Actual Madrid and FC Twente helped Arsenal end fifth within the desk. They have been handed a beneficial tie of their knockout play-offs, avoiding extra established European groups like Wolfsburg and Juventus to tackle competitors debutants OH Leuven, who they’d already overwhelmed 3-0 within the league part.
They bettered that scoreline within the first leg, successful 4-0, however Arsenal boss Renee Slegers insisted it was not simple, saying her aspect simply discovered kind when it mattered.
“Forward of the primary recreation, we have been very conscious that Leuven had made it troublesome for groups in Europe,” stated Slegers after their 3-1 victory within the second leg.
“We really performed very well in Leuven and have been medical. Once we go into the second recreation, we all know we’re already 4-0 up, so it turns into a unique recreation.”
United needed to face Atletico Madrid, who’ve reached the primary draw six instances up to now decade, having additionally performed them within the league part.
The Spanish aspect are sixth in Liga F and 25 factors adrift of leaders Barcelona.
The competitors has been removed from straightforward for United although, having to play three qualifying rounds earlier than the league part – coming from behind to beat Brann – after which assembly two-time winners Wolfsburg, Italian giants Juventus and record-holders Lyon of their group.
“For positive, it hasn’t felt straightforward. I’ve actually loved the construction of the Champions League to get right here,” stated United boss Marc Skinner. “It is uncovered us to completely different kinds of play. The experiences have helped us develop rapidly.
“You look again to after we performed Lyon, the shut Valerenga recreation and Juventus within the final recreation of the league part – the expansion is unimaginable from our workforce.”
Even Chelsea, who have been high seeds and certified straight for the quarter-finals, needed to play fellow last-eight qualifiers Barcelona and Wolfsburg within the league part.
They’ve Arsenal subsequent, and will nonetheless face Lyon and Barcelona on path to the ultimate.
