Bayern Munich
Allianz Arena
Expected allocation: 3,800
Last visit: Bayern 5 – 1 Arsenal, 15 February 2017

There was a stage during the 2010’s that it felt like we face Bayern Munich every season.

In the space of 4-years (2013-2017), we visited 4 times, winning once, losing twice and drawing a game. Those defeats are the most recent games, both finishing 5-1 to the German side.

I do not mind Munich. It is a decent city and the German’s are decent people. But I have unhappy memories of my visits so will not be in a rush to go back.

Real Madrid
Santiago Bernabeu
Expected allocation: 3,800
Last visit: Real Madrid 0 – 1 Arsenal, 21 February 2006

In 2006, Arsenal became the first English team to beat Real Madrid in Spain on the way to reaching the Champions League final. It is crazy that visit is the the only one in our history. I was in my final year at university at the time so unable to do the trip.

Madrid is a cracking city and by the time mid-April hits, temperatures will be comfortably above 20°C. A couple of days in the Spanish sunshine and getting to visit one of the great stadiums of world football? Yes please.

PSG
Parc Des Princes
Expected allocation: 2,000
Last visit: PSG 1 – 1 Arsenal, 23 November 2016

Paris is one of my least favourite cities in Europe (alongside Brussels). It is dirty and horrible, especially in around the Gare du Nord station. The locals are also a snide bunch who think nothing of picking off fans as they return home from pubs in groups of one or two (yet disappear when there are more of you!).

I was there in 2016 and their stadium is just horrible. Saying that, a quick Eurostar under the English Channel does make it attractive.

Atletico Madrid
Wanda Metropolitano
Expected allocation: 3,400
Last visit: Atletico Madrid 1 – 0 Arsenal, 3 May 2018

We last faced Atletico back in our Europa League days – they knocked us out of the semi-finals and then went on to lift the trophy.

The last time I was in Madrid, the Metropolitano Stadium was still getting built. Like Real Madrid, a visit to Spain’s capital in the springtime makes the a must go, and another new stadium for me to visit.

Borussia Dortmund
Signal Iduna Park
Expected allocation: 3,900
Last visit: Dortmund 2 – 0 Arsenal, 16 September 2014

Like Munich, it felt like we were drawn against Dortmund every year at some point – and we visited the city 3 times between 2011 and 2014. Each visit a certain Jurgen Klopp was in charge, and we lost just once! Will be a great trip.

Manchester City
Etihad Stadium
Expected allocation:2,728
Last visit: Manchester City 4 – 1 Arsenal, 26 April 2023

This takes me back to 2008 & 2009 when we faced Manchester United and Liverpool in Champions League. They were fairly deflating draws and we lost both.

We are due to visit City over the Easter weekend for a key Premier League game. It will be just our luck that 9 days later we have to go to Manchester again for the Champions League.

I always begrudge having to take time off work for domestic ties.

Barcelona
Barcelona Olympic Stadium
Expected allocation: 3,000
Last visit: Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal, 16 March 2016

Originally, Barcelona was on the “maybe / maybe not” list mainly for my dislike of the Nou Camp. The beautiful Spanish weather was the main draw. then it was pointed out to me that Barca currently play in the old Olympic Stadium whilst their ground is rebuilt. This puts it in the “yes” box.

Order of merit

Real Madrid – Spanish sunshine
Atletico Madrid – Spanish sunshine
Borussia Dortmund – Never been to the city
PSG – Ease of getting to
Barcelona – Olympic Stadium
Bayern Munich – Bored of them
Manchester City – Just no

The draw “begins” at 11am today. Who do you want?

Keenos

🙌🏻 Raya Arrives 🙌🏻

A man of the match performance.
Two penalty saves. @Arsenal into the next round. @DavidRaya_22 is here to stay 💪🏻https://t.co/xgZmM38KHz pic.twitter.com/s4VlyQ8ks6

— Carl Bourke Art (@CarlBourkeArt) March 13, 2024