Two legendary unbeaten clubs clash as Arsenal eye first-leg advantage

Arsenal turn their attention back to the Champions League this week as they prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the BayArena.

The meeting pits together two sides that famously completed unbeaten league seasons in the modern era.

Arsenal are targeting a strong start to the knockout stage as they continue their pursuit of the biggest trophies this season.

The Champions League represents one of the club’s most realistic opportunities to claim a major honour.

Mikel Arteta’s side were outstanding during the league phase of the competition.

The Gunners won all eight of their matches to finish top of the table with the best attacking and defensive records in the competition.

They scored 23 goals while conceding just four during that dominant run.

That form has placed Arsenal among the favourites to win the tournament.

However, the knockout rounds represent a different challenge against experienced European opponents.

Leverkusen had to take the longer route into the last 16.

The German side overcame Olympiacos in a playoff tie after finishing outside the automatic qualification spots in the league phase.

A 2-0 first-leg victory in Greece put them in control before a goalless draw in Germany sealed progression.

Despite mixed domestic form, Leverkusen remain a difficult side to face on home soil.

They are unbeaten in their last six matches at the BayArena across all competitions.

The German club have also conceded only one goal during that run.

Arsenal are expected to welcome several key players back into the starting lineup after rotation in recent fixtures.

Arteta rested a number of first-team regulars during the FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town.

That decision reflected the importance the club places on their upcoming European campaign.

Arsenal head into the match on a strong run of results in all competitions.

They have built momentum with a series of victories while maintaining their challenge on multiple fronts.

The North London side remain in contention for silverware in several tournaments this season.

However, Arteta will know his team must perform at their highest level against Leverkusen.

The German side possess plenty of attacking quality and have shown resilience in Europe.

Arsenal will aim to control the tempo of the tie and return to London with a positive result.

A convincing performance in Germany would also reinforce their growing reputation as genuine contenders for the Champions League title.

With several major fixtures approaching in the coming weeks, the Gunners will be determined to begin the knockout stage with authority.

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