The revitalized Champions League format introduces a significant shift from the traditional group stage, expanding participation from 32 to 36 teams. This new arrangement allows teams to face eight distinct opponents in a single phase rather than being limited to a mere three within a group.

Not that you could blame them, given Arsenal ’s Champions League last-16 tie with PSV Eindhoven was dead after last week’s 7-1 demolition in the first leg. Wednesday’s reverse fixture had an almost pre-season feel about it at times,