Thierry Henry makes Arsenal Champions League claim after Bayern smash Atalanta

Mar 11, 2026 - 03:00

Thierry Henry raised concerns over Barcelona after their draw with Newcastle United (CBS Sports)

Thierry Henry has raised doubts over Barcelona’s Champions League credentials and believes Arsenal and Bayern Munich are closer to winning the trophy this season.

Barcelona appeared to be on course for a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Newcastle United on Tuesday night but Lamine Yamal’s penalty in injury time rescued a 1-1 draw for Hansi Flick’s side at St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich delivered another impressive performance as they ran out 6-1 winners away to Atalanta, and the German champions were also able to leave Harry Kane on the bench as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

Arsenal, who were the only team to win all eight of their games in the Champions League league phase, are in action on Wednesday night as they play away to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Speaking after Tuesday’s results, Henry questioned Barcelona’s ability to register consistent performances and considers Bayern and Arsenal to be stronger candidates to win the Champions League.

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 10: Michael Olise (L), of Bayern Munchen, celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Atalanta and Bayern Munchen at the Stadio di Bergamo, Italy, on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu via Getty Images) — Michael Olise scored twice in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win away to Atalanta (Getty)

‘I think that Bayern is way more balanced than Barcelona in terms of how they attack, how they shift places,’ Henry told CBS Sports.

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‘You will see, whoever it is, it can be the winger inside, the striker like we saw with Nicolas Jackson on the right, they know what they need to do, they press well, they’re very difficult to beat at times.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Lamine Yamal of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images) — Lamine Yamal rescued a 1-1 draw for Barcelona against Newcastle (Getty)

‘It looks like at Barcelona sometimes, you have the tie against Atletico in the Copa del Rey where they lost 4-0 and it could’ve been 6-0 or 7-0 to Atletico, then you bring it back to Barca and then it could have been 6-0, 7-0, 8-0 to you.

‘They need to find that consistency and that balance if they want to win and be considered one of the hot favourites to win it – I still think they are.

‘But that balance sometimes that they don’t have make me turn a tiny bit more to Bayern and Arsenal.’

Jamie Carragher added: ‘I think Bayern or Arsenal would be Barcelona.’

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