The Premier League is the top force in the Champions League; Arsenal is the only team to have advanced to the knockout stage, while one La Liga team and a newcomer have already been eliminated.

Many fans jokingly say that the Champions League group stage matches are better than those in the Premier League. Arsenal suffered two consecutive draws in the Premier League but won 3-1 away against Serie A’s Inter Milan in the Champions League, marking their seventh consecutive win; Tottenham beat Dortmund 2-0, breaking a five-game winless streak in all competitions. After the first day of the 7th round, UEFA provided an update on the 36 Champions League teams:

The only team confirmed to have qualified for the round of 16: Arsenal!

Teams at least assured of a spot in the round of 16 or playoff stage include: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting CP, Manchester City, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, and Liverpool.

Teams confirmed eliminated: Villarreal and Celtic.

It must be said that the Premier League currently holds the strongest strength in the Champions League. Arsenal has secured early qualification for the knockout rounds, and three teams have at least earned playoff spots. Newcastle and Chelsea have already accumulated 10 points after six rounds, ensuring at least a playoff place. On the La Liga side, Villarreal, currently third in the league, shockingly ranks second to last among the 36 Champions League teams — quite poor! Another team eliminated early is the newcomer Celtic, whose total squad value is only €14.93 million, truly benefiting from the expansion of the Champions League.