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Arsenal enter the 2025/26 Champions League campaign with ambitions higher than at any point in recent memory. Their transfer activity over the summer was not only active but also highly strategic, addressing weaknesses that cost them dearly in last season’s semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. With squad depth now improved, especially in defense and attack, Mikel Arteta’s side looks like a genuine contender for Europe’s top prize.
Arsenal’s Stronger Squad, Mixed Early Form
Last year, the Gunners fell short against PSG after being left exposed by a lack of central defensive cover and the absence of a reliable center-forward option. This summer’s arrivals have plugged those gaps. New signings such as Martín Zubimendi in midfield, Eberechi Eze in an advanced role, and Noni Madueke on the wing have all settled quickly, while Viktor Gyökeres has added further firepower up front.
Despite these reinforcements, Arsenal trail Liverpool by five points in the Premier League after just a handful of games. Defeat to Liverpool (1-0 on August 31) and a draw with Manchester City (1-1 on September 21) slowed their domestic push. Next up is a tricky trip to Newcastle, but in Europe the start has been more convincing, with a clinical 2-0 win away at Athletic Bilbao on Matchday 1.
In terms of team news, captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, and Gabriel Jesus was not registered for the Champions League due to his long-term fitness problems. Kai Havertz, another key contributor last season, is also missing. The burden will therefore fall on Bukayo Saka, back in the starting XI after missing the Bilbao clash, as well as Gyökeres and the in-form Erling Haaland, who already has six Premier League goals and one in the Champions League this season.
Olympiacos Searching for European Rhythm
Olympiacos returned to the summit of Greek football last season after PAOK celebrated the 2024 title. Now champions again, the Piraeus club are once more carrying the national flag in Europe. Domestically, they have played only a handful of matches so far but remain top of the Super League.
Their Champions League start, however, was far from ideal. Against Cypriot side Paphos, Olympiacos were unable to score despite playing with a numerical advantage from the 25th minute onward, settling for a disappointing 0-0 draw. For a club with their pedigree, it was a frustrating result.
Managed by José Luis Mendilibar, formerly of Sevilla, Olympiacos have brought in experienced names like Yusuf Yazıcı and Rémy Cabella, though neither is registered for the Champions League. The same goes for defenders Rubén Vezo and Titi Mancha. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis returns from suspension after missing the opener, while midfielders Pnevmonidis, Martins, and striker Roman Yaremchuk remain injured.
In attack, Mehdi Taremi (2 goals) and Ayoub El Kaabi (3 goals) provide scoring options, though Mendilibar has rarely paired them together in his preferred 4-2-3-1 system. Olympiacos also lost one of their brightest young prospects, Koustoulas, to Brighton for €35 million this summer.
Match Outlook
On paper, Arsenal’s squad depth and quality make them overwhelming favorites. The Gunners have won six of their last seven home matches in the Champions League, a record that underlines their growing authority at the Emirates. Olympiacos, meanwhile, have struggled badly on the road in Europe, losing nine of their last 12 away fixtures.
With Arteta’s men eager to cement themselves as serious contenders and Olympiacos still trying to find rhythm at this level, the gap between the two sides looks clear.
Prediction
Arsenal’s improved squad, strong home record, and European ambitions should be too much for Olympiacos, who remain fragile on their travels.
Prediction: Arsenal 3:0 Olympiacos Piraeus
