Arsenal are on the verge of making Champions League history on a night where Osimhen will try to prove he is in the same category as Haaland.
The final round of league phase games in the second season of the new Champions League format is set for tonight, and there are sure to be fireworks across Europe.
13:53 - 28.01.2026
The stage is set for a monumental collision at the Etihad Stadium tonight as Victor Osimhen leads Galatasaray into a Champions League war against Manchester City.
This season’s competition has been nothing short of drama, as only Arsenal and Bayern Munich have a guaranteed spot in the round of 16.
While a lot of teams have booked their place in the knockout rounds, a lot can still change going into the final round of games tonight. The rest of the top eight is still up for grabs, while the playoff rounds will also be decided tonight.
With that said, Pulse Sports Managing Editor, Joba Ogunwale, takes a look at what will likely happen on what is expected to be an incredible night of football across Europe.
Arsenal to make history
Arsenal have nothing to play for tonight, as not only have they qualified for the round of 16, but they have also sealed the top spot.
However, they have a chance to make history at the Emirates, as they could be the first team in Champions League history to win eight consecutive games by at least a two-goal margin.
The Gunners have won all their previous seven games in convincing fashion this season and could finish the league phase with a 100% record if they beat Kairat Almaty at home.
Should they beat the Kazakhs by at least a two-goal margin, then Mikel Arteta’s men would have made Champions League history.
Arsenal started their campaign this season with a 2-0 away win against Athletic Bilbao before beating Olympiacos 2-0 and thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0.
Arteta’s men followed up the wins with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Slavia Prague before beating Bayern Munich and Club Brugge 3-1 and 3-0, respectively.
A 3-1 win at San Siro against Inter Milan followed last time out, setting the team up perfectly for a grand finish against Almaty on Wednesday night.
Fans will lose and win
Eighteen games will be played simultaneously tonight, so expect a high volume of bets from fans. However, if you are a fan who places bets on games, bet with caution tonight because there will be a lot of surprising results.
Yes, the games are tempting, but it is important to practice responsible gambling because nothing is guaranteed. Do not treat tonight’s games as a get-rich-quick scheme.
Play with an amount you can afford to lose, and do not let your adrenaline push you into a decision you will regret later.
Osimhen takes on Haaland
Victor Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world, but many still find it hard to put him in the same category as Erling Haaland, which is understandable.
05:39 - 28.01.2026
UCL: One goal away — Osimhen close to new record ahead of Man City clash
Victor Osimhen is on the verge of making history as Galatasaray travel to the Etihad Stadium for a high-stakes Champions League showdown with Manchester City.
However, tonight is a chance for the Super Eagles star to at least show he belongs in the same world-class category as Haaland.
The Nigerian has six goals in five Champions League games this season, the same number as Haaland, who plays in a significantly better team.
Osimhen’s Galatasaray are in England to take on Manchester City, and there is no better game for the former Napoli man to show he deserves whatever he wants.
He was linked with a move to England last summer, but his wages put a lot of suitors off, especially Chelsea.
However, if he shows off on Wednesday night against Pep Guardiola’s men, who says a move to the Premier League might not be back on the cards this summer?
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