Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League last-16 draw on Friday, the Opta SuperComputer has identified Arsenal as the team most likely to lift this season’s trophy.
Arsenal will face Bayer Leverkusen, while other notable ties include Manchester City against Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain taking on Chelsea. Newcastle United were drawn against Barcelona, and Bayern Munich will face Atalanta.
According to Opta’s probability analysis, Arsenal has a 27.4% chance of winning the Champions League this season, making them the favourites. Bayern Munich follow with 14.3%, Liverpool 12.8%, and Manchester City 10.8%. Barcelona and Chelsea are given 7.7% and 6.9% chances, respectively.
Opta Winning Probabilities:
Arsenal – 27.4%
Bayern Munich – 14.3%
Liverpool – 12.8%
Manchester City – 10.8%
Barcelona – 7.7%
Chelsea – 6.9%
The draw sets up several high-profile clashes as Europe’s top clubs compete for the prestigious trophy, with Arsenal positioned as the team to beat according to statistical forecasts.