Champions League and Europa League Round of 16 Draw: When and How to Watch
The draw for the UEFA Champions League, as well as the Europa League and Europa Conference League, is a highly anticipated event that sets the stage for one of the most exciting periods in European club football. The Champions League round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals draw is scheduled for Friday at 11 AM UK time. An hour later, the draws for the Europa League and Europa Conference League will take place. Fans can catch all the action live on UEFA.com, where the stream is available free of charge.
Premier League Teams in the Champions League: Potential Opponents
Liverpool, who finished at the top of their group, is in a strong position as they gear up for the round of 16. The Reds could face a challenging tie against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who are leading 3-0 against fellow Ligue 1 side Brest after the first leg of their play-off. If PSG falters, Liverpool could face either Monaco or Benfica, with Benfica currently holding a 1-0 lead in their second leg tie in Portugal.
Arsenal, having finished in a strong position in their group, will face a trip to either Italy or the Netherlands. Their potential opponents include AC Milan, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven, or Feyenoord. AC Milan currently trails Feyenoord 1-0 heading into the second leg at the San Siro, while Juventus holds a 2-1 lead over PSV Eindhoven.
Aston Villa, making their mark in European competition, will face one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting, or Club Brugge. Dortmund looks set to progress, leading Sporting 3-0 after the first leg, while Brugge holds a surprising 2-1 lead over Atalanta.
Manchester City, who are currently trailing Real Madrid, will need to stage a remarkable comeback if they are to advance. Should they do so, they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. The potential ties are highly anticipated, with City’s recent form suggesting they could overcome any opponent.
Premier League Teams in the Europa League: Potential Opponents
In the Europa League, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face one of AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Real Sociedad, or Galatasaray. AZ Alkmaar looks very likely to progress, leading Galatasaray 4-1 after the first leg, while Sociedad holds a narrow 2-1 lead over Midtjylland. The structure of the draw means that Spurs and United cannot meet until the final, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their respective paths.
Chelsea in the Europa Conference League: Potential Opponents
Chelsea, who have found success in the Europa Conference League, will play one of Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen, or Heidenheim. Real Betis has a commanding 3-0 lead over Gent, while Copenhagen trails Heidenheim 2-1. The Blues will be eager to capitalize on their strong performances and secure a place in the later stages of the competition.
Key Dates for the Round of 16 Fixtures
The first legs of the round of 16 fixtures for the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League are scheduled for March 4 and 5. The second legs will take place on March 11 and 12. These dates mark the beginning of a thrilling period of European football, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes of these high-stakes matches.
The Importance of the Draw
The draw is a pivotal moment for all clubs involved, as it can significantly influence their path to glory. For Premier League clubs, the potential matchups are a mix of familiar foes and new challenges. Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and potentially Manchester City will need to navigate tough opposition to progress further in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea will be looking to capitalize on their strong performances in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively. The draw sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable period of European football, where every match could be a classic.
