Champions League last 16: Liverpool face PSG, Real and Atleti in Madrid derby

February 21 – In the standout ties of the Champions League’s round of 16, Liverpool have been drawn against perennial contenders Paris Saint-Germain, while reigning champions Real Madrid face crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid in a local derby.

Arne Slot’s team who top the Premier League table, were handed a tough draw as they face the French champions, who waltzed past Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the playoff round. In 2018, the pair met in the group stages with both sides winning at home.

Friday’s draw also produced a Derbi de Madrid with the crosstown rivals paired together. Madrid won the 2016 final against Atletico following a 1-1 draw and penalties. The following season, Los Blancos also prevailed 4-2 on aggregate against Diego Simeone’s side in the semi-finals.

Ancelotti’s team will once again be the favourites. Demonstrating their prowess, Madrid eliminated Manchester City, the 2023 winners, 6-3 on aggregate in the playoff round.

Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen meet in an all-German affair. The Bavarian club will be desperate to reach another ‘Finale dahoam’ after 2012, but they have failed to beat Leverkusen in six attempts since Xabi Alonso’s arrival. Last season, Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title for the first time.

Arsenal will play PSV Eindhoven, who knocked out Juventus in the playoff round. Italy endured a disastrous playoff round with three representatives eliminated at the hands of Benelux clubs. For the first time in 19 years, two Dutch clubs will feature in the last sixteen of the competition. Feyenoord will face Inter Milan, the last Italian side in the competition.

Belgian champions Club Brugge were rewarded with a rematch against Premier League club Aston Villa. In the group phase, Brugge defeated Unai Emery’s side 1-0 with a second-half penalty goal from Hans Vanaken. The tie’s winners will meet Liverpool or PSG in the last eight.

FC Barcelona encounter Portugal’s Benfica with the winner set to play Borussia Dortmund or Lille.

The final of the Champions League will take play at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31.

Round of 16 ties

PSV vs Arsenal

Real Madrid vs Atleti

Paris vs Liverpool

Club Brugge vs Aston Villa

Benfica vs Barcelona

Borussia Dortmund vs lille

Bayern Munich VS Leverkusen

Feyenoord vs Inter

Quarter-finals

PSG/Liverpool v Brugge/Aston Villa

PSV/Arsenal v Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid

Benfica/Barcelona in Dortmund/Lille

Bayern/Leverkusen in Feyenoord/Inter

Semi-finals:

PSV/Arsenal/Real Madrid/Atletico Madrid v PSG/Liverpool/Brugge/Aston Villa

Benfica/Barcelona/Dortmund/Lille in Bayern/Leverkusen/Feyenoord/Inter

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