The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw, held on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland, has set the stage for some thrilling matchups. English Premier League leaders Liverpool will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), while Arsenal will meet PSV Eindhoven, and Aston Villa will take on Belgian side Club Brugge.
Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who topped the league phase, will travel to Paris for the first leg in early March. PSG, under former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, also leading their domestic league and are on an impressive unbeaten run. The winner of this tie will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven
Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League, will face PSV Eindhoven. This marks the third consecutive season the two teams have met in European competitions, with Arsenal winning two and losing one of their previous encounters. The Gunners will be eager to advance past PSV, aiming for a potential all-English semi-final.
Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge
Aston Villa, will also be making a historic return to the Champions League, will face Club Brugge. The Belgian side previously defeated Villa 1-0 in the league phase, so Villa will be keen to overturn that result. Should both English teams advance, they could meet in the quarter-finals.
Other Notable Matchups
- Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: A Madrid derby in the round of 16, a repeat of the 2014 and 2016 finals. The Guardian
- Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: An all-German clash featuring Nigerian stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella. The Times
Match Dates
The first legs of the round of 16 will be played on March 4 and 5, with the second legs on March 11 and 12. The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 8 and 9, with the second legs on April 15 and 16. The semi-finals will take place on April 29 and 30, with the second legs on May 6 and 7. The final is set for May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
These matchups however, promise an exciting Champions League knockout phase, with top European clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa, vying for a place in the quarter-finals.
