All three English clubs travel for the first leg as the return fixtures promise unforgettable European nights.

Knockout ties in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League are often decided over two legs, but a poor first leg can leave a team with a mountain to climb. For Aston Villa, Arsenal and Liverpool, all starting away from home, the emphasis is on getting a result and bringing their European counterparts back in front of their own supporters.

Across the rest of the competition, there is no shortage of experience. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, between them, account for 26 European Cup and Champions League titles, and they tend to click at this stage of the competition

Aston Villa v Bologna

Aston Villa are no longer new to this level. This is now a third consecutive season in Europe, and last year’s run to the Champions League quarter finals ended against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

There is more variety to Villa now as well. Morgan Rogers has been one of their standout performers this season, carrying the ball through midfield and committing defenders in a way that gives Villa a different attacking route. At the other end, Ezri Konsa has arguably been their most reliable defender, particularly in one-on-one situations and when defending deeper.

Behind them, Emiliano Martínez brings experience from the biggest stage. A World Cup winner and a regular presence in high-pressure matches, he is central to how Villa manage moments in games like this.

Bologna’s strength is in its organisation. They concede few clear chances at home and are used to controlling the tempo in games like this. It is unlikely to be open, and patience will be required.

For Villa, the first leg is about keeping the tie within reach. If they can return to Villa Park level or within a goal, they will back themselves to take control of it in the second leg.

Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain

Liverpool travel to Paris for the first leg of their Champions League tie against PSG, a team that has been one of the most dangerous sides in Europe in recent years. The French champions demonstrated their firepower in the previous round, putting eight goals past Chelsea over two legs, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring three across the 180 minutes.

Liverpool will be looking to respond. Recent performances from Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike give the Reds hope of finding the net in Paris and forcing PSG manager Luis Enrique to adjust his attacking philosophy

PSG will be aiming to become the first team to retain the UEFA Champions League since Real Madrid in 2019, having claimed a convincing 5‑0 victory over Inter Milan in last year’s final. The first leg is unlikely to be straightforward, and Liverpool’s objective is simple: keep the tie alive and return to Anfield for a second leg where The Kop can help, once again create one of those memorable European nights.

Arsenal v Sporting CP

Arsenal have not won a European trophy since the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and have fallen short in recent knockout campaigns, including the Europa League final defeat in 2019. Under Mikel Arteta, the team has become more structured, particularly when out of possession.

This season they have conceded fewer than a goal per game in the Premier League, reflecting a side better equipped for knockout football with Gabriel and William Saliba often impressing in central defence, while Bukayo Saka remains central to Arsenal’s attacking output. Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres will be looking to make an impact against his former club, adding another dimension to Arsenal’s forward line.

Sporting CP, meanwhile, are embroiled in a domestic title race, trailing FC Porto by seven points with seven games remaining. Despite the pressure at home, the Portuguese side showed their resilience in Europe in the previous round, overturning a 3‑0 first-leg deficit to defeat Bodo/Glimt 5‑3 on aggregate.

Arsenal will also need to be wary of Luis Suárez, who has scored 33 goals in 42 matches this season, averaging a goal every 103 minutes.

This tie is likely to be tight. Arsenal’s best path through it is to keep the scoreline close in Lisbon and take the advantage back to Emirates Stadium.

Madrid v Bayern, Barcelona v Atlético

The tie between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is as familiar as it gets at this level. Madrid’s 15 titles set them apart, and they have won this competition five times in the last decade. Players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have taken the Los Blancos to another level.

Bayern, with six European Cups, remain one of the most consistent knockout teams in Europe. They average close to two goals per game in this competition over the past five seasons and are rarely passive across two legs. The winner of this tie will meet either PSG or Liverpool in the semi-finals.

FC Barcelona against Atlético Madrid is more controlled. Barcelona have won the competition five times but have not reached a final since 2015. Atlético, twice finalists under Diego Simeone, remain one of the most disciplined defensive sides in Europe. The winner of this tie will meet either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

Second Legs

With all three English clubs starting their knockout ties away, the return legs at Anfield, Emirates Stadium, and Villa Park will be decisive. These matches are where the tension, the atmosphere, and the drama of European football truly come alive. Hospitality packages provide the perfect way to experience these nights in style, with premium seating, fine food, and exclusive access to club facilities. Whether you are entertaining clients or enjoying the game with friends and family, these second-leg fixtures offer a unique chance to witness some of the biggest matches of the season in comfort, while being part of the electric atmosphere only a full stadium can deliver. There is no better way to watch English clubs in action in this season’s UEFA competitions than with an Eventmasters Hospitality Package. Book now to avoid disappointment.