Identifying the first team to reach the Champions League round of 16

The 7th matchday of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage has confirmed the first club to secure a spot in the round of 16.

During the 7th group stage match of the UEFA Champions League, Arsenal extended their impressive run in European competition. The London side dominated the current runners-up Inter on their home ground in Italy, thereby securing a final victory with a score of 3-1.

This result helped the team led by Coach Mikel Arteta continue their winning streak, earning 21 points and solidifying their top position. Moreover, the "Gunners" became the first team guaranteed to advance to the round of 16 without needing to play in the playoffs.

Under the new competition format, the top 8 teams from the group stage automatically advance to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th must compete in playoffs for the remaining 8 spots. Currently, Arsenal has an 8-point lead over 8th place Atalanta, who still have two matches left. This means that even if Arsenal loses their final match, they will still be guaranteed a place in the top 8 without relying on other results.

At the same time, the group stage standings are gradually taking shape as several teams have already secured progression. Teams confirmed to advance include Man City, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Sporting Lisbon, Atalanta, Inter, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool. The remaining 13 spots will be decided after the final matchday on January 29 (Vietnam time).

As for Arsenal, the Emirates Stadium side is making history by achieving 7 consecutive wins in the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Among English clubs, only Man City had a longer winning streak, with 10 consecutive victories in March 2024. If they overcome Kairat in the final match, Arteta's squad will become the first team to win all group stage matches since the Champions League adopted the new format.

Following their triumph at Giuseppe Meazza, Arsenal will focus on hosting Manchester United in the 23rd round of the Premier League.