Opta Supercomputer, Fans and Diego Simeone Agree: Arsenal Look Destined for Champions League Glory
Things have definitely taken a twist this season, and it’s not going the way most fans or punters predicted. According to Opta’s supercomputer, Arsenal are now the front-runners to win the Champions League.
On Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s team crushed La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid, defeating them 4-0 and giving up just one goal from David Raya.
Julian Alvarez’ long-range effort against the crossbar for Atletico nearly gave them the lead, but it appeared to be the boost Arsenal needed as they scored four goals between Gabriel Magalhaes’ first goal at the 57th minute and Viktor Gyokeres’ second of the evening in the 70th.
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Although defending champions Paris Saint-Germain also triumphed handily on Tuesday, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in Germany, the Gunners demonstrated their Champions League capabilities and delivered a warning to their opponents in the league.
The bookmakers and Opta’s analytical staff have taken notice of Arsenal’s outstanding performance and outcome, and the latter’s “supercomputer” has ranked them as the favourites to win the Champions League with a 20.47% chance.
Liverpool, the Premier League champions, were considered the favourites to win the trophy again this season base on their recent form and how they add more talented players to their squad but everything changed and does not worked out as planned, and the Londoners were assigned a 16% probability of winning.
Arne Slot’s team has fallen from 20.4% to 10.36%, but a victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on the road on Wednesday might turn that around.
Arsenal’s climb to the top is not surprising, and the bookmakers have them in the mix as second-favorite, after PSG.
After Arsenal defeated Atletico 4-0, Tim Sherwood was one of the commentators who waxed eloquent about the team and predicted that they would “go a long way” in the Premier League and Champions League.
He told Sky Sports, “Not many teams do that to a (Diego) Simeone side.” Arsenal was outstanding. Even if they haven’t played at their best, I believe they have been outstanding all season long.
They are incredibly hard to score against and are able to complete tasks whether they include set pieces or other tactics.
Champions do that in order to cross the finish line and score as many points as they can.
“I must admit that I was really impressed with them and I don’t see it stopping. the current composition of their team and the additions they’ve made in specific fields.
You used to worry that they wouldn’t be able to handle life without him when they suffered injuries in the past. Now, I don’t see that.
They are good in every area, and I believe they are the club to beat in the Premier League. You have to admit, though, that you know they will do well in this league and the Champions League.
The Gunners are among the clubs that Arsenal icon Thierry Henry believes can win the competition, according to CBS Sports host Kate Scott.
“Thierry spoke highly of Arsenal and clearly put them aside from Bayern Munich and PSG as the current favourites for this competition,” he stated.
Jamie Carragher responded, “I do look at this team now and see how strong they are defensively,” when asked if he agreed.
Although my Liverpool squad, which won the Champions League, wasn’t very good offensively, we played excellent defence.
When you reach the knockout stages and the two-legged ties, that always gives you a chance. You always have a chance if you have a solid defensive game.
Based on how they completely outclassed Atletico Madrid, I honestly see Arsenal as one of the four or five teams capable of winning this competition.
Meanwhile, Atletico boss Diego Simeone even admitted that Arsenal were the best side his team have faced all season.
“Yeah, I would say the best team we have faced this season,” said Simeone, who’s already gone up against Real Madrid and Liverpool in 2025/26.
“They have quality all over the pitch, they compete unbelievably well, and they fully deserved the win today. I want to congratulate them.”
