The UEFA Champions League last 16 draw has set up some thrilling matchups, with Liverpool facing PSG in one of the most anticipated clashes.
Liverpool dominated the league phase with seven wins from eight games, comfortably securing their spot. In contrast, PSG struggled to break into the top 16 but made a statement by demolishing Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-off round. With Kylian Mbappe leading the charge, the French champions will be looking to prove their worth against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, still in pursuit of their first-ever Champions League title, will take on PSV Eindhoven. PSV advanced after knocking out Juventus in the play-offs and will be eager to continue their impressive run.
Aston Villa, enjoying a strong campaign, will meet Club Brugge as they aim to reclaim the European crown they last won in 1982. Unai Emery’s side has been a surprise package this season and will be confident of progressing further.
A Tough Road to the Final
The draw has ensured that all three English clubs Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are in the same half of the bracket, eliminating the possibility of an all-English final. However, if they advance, fans could witness intense domestic clashes before the showpiece event.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid will take on city rivals Real Madrid in a fierce derby showdown. The winner of this tie will meet either Arsenal or PSV in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid, led by Kylian Mbappe, dismantled Manchester City in the play-offs but previously suffered a loss to Liverpool in the league phase.
German football fans will be treated to a blockbuster all-Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The two sides recently played out a goalless draw in the domestic league, setting the stage for a tense European encounter.
Barcelona faces Benfica in another thrilling matchup, having already defeated the Portuguese side 5-4 in the league phase. Feyenoord, rumored to be welcoming Robin van Persie as their new manager, will take on Italian giants Inter Milan. Borussia Dortmund, fresh off a dominant performance against Sporting CP, will meet Lille in the final last-16 tie.
The teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund will enjoy home advantage in the second leg, giving them a potential edge.
Champions League Last 16 Draw
Silver Bracket
- Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven (winner faces Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid
- Liverpool vs. PSG (winner faces Aston Villa or Club Brugge)
- Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge
Blue Bracket
- Barcelona vs. Benfica (winner faces Lille or Borussia Dortmund)
- Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich (winner faces Inter Milan or Feyenoord)
- Inter Milan vs. Feyenoord
With the tournament entering its knockout stage, the road to Wembley is packed with exciting matchups. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa will be aiming to keep English hopes alive, but they face formidable opposition. As the Champions League drama unfolds, football fans worldwide are in for a treat.
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