Not precisely.
Reigning champions Arsenal needed to kick off their marketing campaign towards file eight-time winners Lyon, who they beat within the semi-finals final season.
This time they misplaced they usually have been additionally crushed by Bayern Munich within the league section, 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 crushed 3-0 within the league section.
They bettered that scoreline within the first leg, successful 4-0, however Arsenal boss Renee Slegers insisted it was not simple, saying her facet simply discovered kind when it mattered.
“Forward of the primary sport, we have been very conscious that Leuven had made it tough for groups in Europe,” mentioned Slegers after their 3-1 victory within the second leg.
“We truly performed rather well in Leuven and have been scientific. Once we go into the second sport, we all know we’re already 4-0 up, so it turns into a unique sport.”
United needed to face Atletico Madrid, who’ve reached the primary draw six instances prior to now decade, having additionally performed them within the league section.
The Spanish facet are sixth in Liga F and 25 factors adrift of leaders Barcelona.
The competitors has been removed from simple for United although, having to play three qualifying rounds earlier than the league section – coming from behind to beat Brann – after which assembly two-time winners Wolfsburg, Italian giants Juventus and record-holders Lyon of their group.
“For certain, it hasn’t felt simple. I’ve actually loved the construction of the Champions League to get right here,” mentioned United boss Marc Skinner. “It is uncovered us to completely different types of play. The experiences have helped us develop shortly.
“You look again to once we performed Lyon, the shut Valerenga sport and Juventus within the final sport of the league section – the expansion is unimaginable from our workforce.”
Even Chelsea, who have been high seeds and certified immediately for the quarter-finals, needed to play fellow last-eight qualifiers Barcelona and Wolfsburg within the league section.
They’ve Arsenal subsequent, and will nonetheless face Lyon and Barcelona on path to the ultimate.
