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Arsenal’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals not only dashed their hopes of advancing to the next round but also had broader implications.

The Gunners were optimistic about their chances of progressing to the semifinals, particularly after drawing the first leg in London. Despite it being their first appearance in the competition in seven years, Mikel Arteta’s side was eager to make a statement.

However, their aspirations were not limited to a deep Champions League run. The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal also had a stake in qualifying for the newly expanded Club World Cup.

Before their match in Bavaria, only one spot remained for qualification, which was slated for the Champions League winner if they hadn’t already secured their place. However, Arsenal’s elimination from the competition meant that RB Salzburg was able to secure qualification, as all four teams in the Champions League semifinals had already booked their spots.

Just Arsenal Opinion

Playing in the Club World Cup would be great, but it was always a tough task for us to win the Champions League.

This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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