Not precisely.
Reigning champions Arsenal needed to kick off their marketing campaign towards report eight-time winners Lyon, who they beat within the semi-finals final season.
This time they misplaced and so they had been additionally overwhelmed by Bayern Munich within the league part, that means that they had work to do to qualify.
It was a nervy few months however victories towards Real Madrid and FC Twente helped Arsenal end fifth within the desk. They had 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 that they had already overwhelmed 3-0 within the league part.
They bettered that scoreline within the first leg, profitable 4-0, however Arsenal boss Renee Slegers insisted it was not easy, saying her aspect simply discovered type when it mattered.
“Ahead of the first game, we were very aware that Leuven had made it difficult for teams in Europe,” stated Slegers after their 3-1 victory within the second leg.
“We actually played really well in Leuven and were clinical. When we go into the second game, we know we’re already 4-0 up, so it becomes a different game.”
United needed to face Atletico Madrid, who’ve reached the primary draw six occasions previously decade, having additionally performed them within the league part.
The Spanish aspect are sixth in Liga F and 25 factors adrift of leaders Barcelona.
The competitors has been removed from straightforward for United although, having to play three qualifying rounds earlier than the league part – coming from behind to beat Brann – after which assembly two-time winners Wolfsburg, Italian giants Juventus and record-holders Lyon of their group.
“For sure, it hasn’t felt easy. I’ve really enjoyed the structure of the Champions League to get here,” stated United boss Marc Skinner. “It’s exposed us to different styles of play. The experiences have helped us grow quickly.
“You look again to after we performed Lyon, the shut Valerenga sport and Juventus within the final sport of the league part – the expansion is unimaginable from our crew.”
Even Chelsea, who were top seeds and qualified directly for the quarter-finals, had to play fellow last-eight qualifiers Barcelona and Wolfsburg in the league phase.
They have Arsenal subsequent, and will nonetheless face Lyon and Barcelona on path to the ultimate.
