Hincapié's Arsenal learn their Champions League road: Real Madrid, Bayern and a score to settle

The draw has spoken, and Piero Hincapié's Arsenal now know exactly what mountain they have to climb if they finally want to get their hands on the club's first European Cup. After coming up just short last season, losing the final to PSG, the Gunners are starting a new Champions League cycle with a schedule that mixes big names, old scores to settle and even a nod or two toward the Ecuadorian soccer community.

Because yes, there is one matchup that has caught special attention back in Ecuador. Real Madrid will visit the Emirates Stadium, and with them comes Yan Diomande. Does that name ring a bell for another reason? The Ivorian already faced off against Hincapié at the 2026 World Cup, a match that ended up going Ivory Coast's way. Now, with their club jerseys on, the Ecuadorian will get a chance to flip the script, even if this time the result gets written in the Champions League rather than at a World Cup.

The other matchup with a taste of revenge is against Bayern Munich. Last season, Arsenal thrashed them 3-1 in London, but Hincapié didn't get any minutes that day. This time the match will be played in Germany, and the Ecuadorian defender will be looking to earn a spot on the roster so he doesn't have to watch from the sidelines again.

A possible showdown between countrymen

There's another matchup that has sparked curiosity, though it still comes with conditions attached. Borussia Dortmund will visit London, and if the German club decides to promote Justin Lerma to the first team, it could set up a clash between two Ecuadorians in the middle of the league phase. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the mere possibility is already fueling excitement among fans.

Beyond the personal storylines, Arsenal's fixture list makes clear why Mikel Arteta's side ranks among the title contenders: they arrive as last season's runners-up with no major changes to the squad that was crowned Premier League champion. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Dortmund are the heaviest hitters on paper, but Arsenal can't afford to take the other three matchups lightly. Betis, Napoli and Lille are the kind of awkward opponents capable of causing trouble for anyone, even if they're not among the favorites.

That's how Arsenal's path through this league phase shapes up: they will travel to face Bayern Munich, Betis, Napoli and Slavia Prague, while hosting Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Lille and Sabah at home. Eight matches, eight different tests, and Piero Hincapié with his excitement fully intact to leave his mark on a tournament that, for the Gunners, begins with the duty to dream big.