Thrilling Knockout Phase Ahead: Arsenal and Top Teams Battle for Champions League Glory

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has advanced to the knockout phase, with 24 teams battling toward the Budapest final on May 30. Arsenal stands out as the only side with a perfect league phase record, topping scorers while keeping five clean sheets, positioning Mikel Arteta's team as serious contenders after last season's semi-final run. Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern München, Barcelona, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Sporting CP secured direct round-of-16 spots, while powerhouses like Real Madrid, Inter, Juventus, Atlético de Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and newcomers Qarabağ enter via playoffs starting February 17. Kylian Mbappé dazzled with the second-fastest hat-trick ever against Olympiacos, while Serhou Guirassy and Raphinha lead scorer charts.

Standout player performances include Victor Osimhen firing for Galatasaray in their Liverpool upset, Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca driving Atalanta's late surge, and Jonathan David boosting Juventus under Luciano Spalletti. Vincent Kompany has Bayern nearing 100 goals across competitions, and José Mourinho masterminded Benfica's epic Real Madrid win capped by their goalkeeper's goal.

In other news, adidas unveiled the striking official ball for the Budapest final. Across global leagues, Al Hilal's unbeaten run hit a snag in a goalless AFC Champions League Elite draw at Shabab Al Ahli, hampered by Karim Benzema's ineligibility despite his Saudi Pro League hat-trick debut. CONCACAF Champions Cup saw San Diego FC thrash UNAM 4-1, Forge FC draw Tigres UANL 0-0, and América edge Olimpia 2-1. Premier League previews heat up with Arsenal hosting Brentford on February 12, alongside Women's Champions League clashes like Wolfsburg versus Juventus.

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