Champions League draw reaction: Kane to torment Arsenal again?

Our Champions League draw reaction features the quarter-final and semi-final draws in full, the standout ties of the round, and a reflection how bookies odds have changed based on the draw. There are some tasty ties to look forward to, including a repeat of last season's semi-final between Real Madrid and Manchester City, and Arsenal facing an old foe in the competition in Bayern Munich, spearheaded by former Spurs star Harry Kane.

Man City
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Champions League knockout draw – Who is playing who in the QF and SF?

The following clubs have been drawn to play each other in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final and semi-final stage, with the final being played at Wembley Stadium:

Quarter-final:

  • Arsenal v Bayern Munich
  • Atletico Madrid v Borussia Dortmund
  • Real Madrid v Manchester City
  • PSG v Barcelona

Semi-final:

  • Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund v PSG/Barcelona
  • Arsenal/Bayern Munich v Real Madrid/Manchester City

Final:

  • Atletico Madrid/Borussia Dortmund/PSG/Barcelona v Arsenal/Bayern Munich/Real Madrid/Manchester City

Standout ties

Байер - Бавария составы на матч 10 февраля
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Arsenal v Bayern Munich

The first teams drawn sees two familiar foes meet again as Arsenal play Bayern Munich. Bayern knocked the Gunners out the last time they were in the UCL, a thumping 10-2 aggregate win. In fact, Bayern have won seven of their 12 UCL meetings, but each club's fortunes have changed.

Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League, while Bayern look like they are going to lose out on the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen. One ace up their sleeve though is free-scoring Harry Kane, who will have extra motivation as an ex-Tottenham player. Nonetheless, this should be a thrilling tie!

Ruben Albarran/SOPA Images/Sipa USA – Photo by Icon Sport

Real Madrid v Manchester City

A repeat of last season's semi-final sees record holders Real Madrid face reigning champions Manchester City. City emphatically won 5-1 on aggregate, but with the Premier League and FA Cup to play for too, time will tell if they can win the treble again.

Madrid will argue they are stronger with the acquisition of Jude Bellingham in the summer, who has been a revelation. The Englishman will want to perform on the world stage, ahead of the Euros this summer.

Anthony Dibon – Photo by Icon Sport

PSG v Barcelona

Given the potential pathway to the final, these two teams will really fancy themselves to go all the way. It will be a tight contest, with four wins each and four draws in their 12 UCL H2Hs.

Barcelona hold the record for the biggest comeback, in the UCL knockout stages, overturning a 4-0 deficit to beat PSG 6-1 in the return leg in 2016/17, and fans will be hoping this tie is just as memorable. This could also be Kylian Mbappe's last chance to win the UCL with PSG, given he has been linked with Real Madrid. They could meet in the final, which would be quite something.

Current outrights

Клубный чемпионат мира
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Manchester City (15/8)

Manchester City's odds of winning the UCL have come down slightly since the draw, given their tough path to the final. However, they are still considered favourites by bookies.

Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah
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Arsenal (11/2)

Arsenal were fourth-favourites with bookies when the round of 16 draw was made, but are now second. Their odds have drifted too however, after a tough quarter-final draw.

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Real Madrid (13/2)

Real Madrid are third-favourites to win the UCL for a record 15th time, according to bookies odds. Their odds have widened too, after drawing favourites Manchester City.

Волфсбург - Байерн ТВ 2
Lukas Barth-Tuttas/dpa – Photo by Icon Sport

Bayern Munich (15/2)

Bayern Munich were second-favourites to lift the trophy after the round of 16 draw was made, but are now fourth. Off the pace in the Bundesliga, they will need to improve performances to stand a chance.

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