Champions League Quarter-Final First Legs Preview: Arsenal Face Sporting CP Test as Liverpool Travel to Paris on 7-8 April

Champions League quarter-final first legs hit on 7 April as Arsenal travel to Sporting CP and Liverpool face Paris in a pivotal week for English hopes.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-03-28

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase heats up with quarter-final first legs scheduled for 7 and 8 April. After a thrilling round of 16 that saw English clubs Arsenal and Liverpool advance while Chelsea and Manchester City bowed out, all eyes turn to these crucial matches. Arsenal face Sporting CP in Lisbon, while Liverpool head to Paris for a showdown with PSG, setting the stage for dramatic two-legged ties.

Quarter-Final Fixtures Breakdown

The quarter-finals promise fireworks across Europe. On Tuesday 7 April, Sporting CP host Arsenal at 21:00 CET, followed by Real Madrid welcoming Bayern München. Wednesday 8 April features Barcelona against Atlético de Madrid and Paris versus Liverpool. These first legs will shape the semi-final lineup, with second legs a week later on 14-15 April.

Arsenal, who progressed with a 3-1 aggregate win over Leverkusen thanks to a 2-0 second-leg victory on 17 March, now face a Sporting side that crushed Bodø/Glimt 5-0 after extra time in the same round. Liverpool overturned a first-leg deficit against Galatasaray to reach this stage, while their opponents PSG demolished Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate.

English Clubs in Focus: Arsenal and Liverpool's Paths

Arsenal's run has been impressive. They drew 1-1 in the first leg at Leverkusen before sealing progression with a clinical 2-0 win at home. Mikel Arteta's side topped their league phase group with standout results like a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético de Madrid and 3-2 over Kairat Almaty. Now, Sporting CP stand in their way - a team that finished strongly in the league phase and dominated Bodø/Glimt.

Liverpool, meanwhile, showed resilience against Galatasaray. After losing 1-0 in Istanbul on 10 March, they fought back in the second leg to advance. Their league phase form included a 3-0 win at Marseille, underlining their attacking prowess. PSG, with a 5-2 first-leg win over Chelsea and 2-2 second leg, will be a stern test in Paris.

Disappointment lingers for Chelsea and Man City. Chelsea suffered a 8-2 aggregate loss to PSG, with 5-2 down in the first leg and no way back. Man City lost 5-1 overall to Real Madrid after a 3-0 first-leg defeat and 2-1 second-leg loss. These exits highlight the fine margins in knockout football.

Round of 16 Recap: How Teams Advanced

The round of 16 second legs on 17 March delivered drama. Sporting CP's 5-0 extra-time rout of Bodø/Glimt (5-3 agg) after a 3-0 first-leg loss showcased their comeback spirit. Arsenal's 2-0 over Leverkusen made it 3-1 agg. PSG's 3-0 at Chelsea sealed 8-2 agg, while Real Madrid edged Man City 2-1 for 5-1 agg.

Earlier second legs on 25 February saw Atalanta pip Dortmund 4-3 agg, PSG edge Monaco 5-4, and Real Madrid beat Benfica 3-1. First legs set the tone: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool, Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal, PSG 5-2 Chelsea, Real Madrid 3-0 Man City.

These results cleared the path to quarters, with no English dominance but Arsenal and Liverpool keeping Premier League flags flying high for UK fans.

League Phase Highlights and Road to Knockouts

The league phase ran from 16 September 2025 to 28 January 2026, with Matchday 8 on 28 January featuring Arsenal's 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty. Other results included Ajax 1-2 Olympiacos, Monaco 0-0 Juventus, and Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid. Earlier, Matchday 3 on 21 October saw Arsenal 4-0 Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona 6-1 Olympiacos, and Chelsea 5-1 Ajax.

Teams like Leverkusen (3-0 Villarreal on MD8), Bayern (2-0 Union SG), and Liverpool (3-0 Marseille) built momentum. Newcastle impressed with 3-0 over PSV and Benfica, though they exited earlier. This format tested depth across 36 teams.

Key Players and Subplots to Watch

Arsenal's attack will rely on their clinical finishing seen against Leverkusen. Sporting's extra-time heroics against Bodø/Glimt highlight their resilience. Liverpool must counter PSG's firepower, evident in their Chelsea demolition. Real Madrid vs Bayern pits two giants, with Bayern's 6-1 rout of Atalanta in first leg (part of earlier ties) showing form.

Injuries and suspensions remain unconfirmed this close to fixtures, but fitness will be crucial. No major managerial changes reported, though transfer rumours swirl around Premier League stars post-league phase.

Semi-Final Picture and Beyond

Semi-final first legs are slated for 28-29 April: winners of Paris/Liverpool vs Real Madrid/Bayern, and Barcelona/Atlético vs Sporting/Arsenal. Second legs follow on 5-6 May. The final awaits at Puskás Aréna, Budapest on 30 May at 18:00 CET.

For Arsenal or Liverpool to reach semis, first-leg results will provide vital away goals advantage - though away goals rule is abolished, momentum carries weight. UK fans dream of an English presence in Budapest.

Why This Matters for Premier League Fans

With two English sides through, quarter-finals offer hope after Chelsea and City exits. Arsenal's consistency and Liverpool's grit embody Premier League quality. Success here boosts European coefficients, aiding future qualification.

Premier League players abroad shine too: former stars at Bayern, Real Madrid add intrigue. As fixtures near, tension builds for what could be a defining European night.

Knockout football demands perfection over two legs. Arsenal must navigate Sporting's home fortress, Liverpool counter PSG's attack. Second legs at Emirates and Anfield could be decisive if first legs stay tight.

Tactical Battles and Predictions

Sporting vs Arsenal pits Portuguese flair against English organisation. Real Madrid home strength challenges Bayern's experience. Barcelona-Atlético derby promises intensity, Paris-Liverpool a clash of styles.

Expect tight first legs, with aggregates decided in return fixtures. Arsenal's away form in league phase bodes well; Liverpool's comeback ability key.

Broader context: post-league phase, top performers like Barcelona (6-1 Olympiacos) and PSG dominate. English fans focus on their heroes' progress.

Historical note: Puskás Aréna hosts first final since 2022 Munich. Budapest awaits champions.

Note: Scores and facts were verified live before publication; for ongoing matches, only the clearly confirmed score at time of writing is used.