Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain: A Match of Champions
In one of the most anticipated draws of the Champions League’s last 16, Liverpool will once again face Paris Saint-Germain. Arne Slot’s Liverpool finished atop their group in the 36-team league phase, earning a direct route to this stage. Meanwhile, PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, had to battle through a two-legged play-off, where they convincingly defeated fellow French side Brest with a staggering 10-0 aggregate score. The teams have a rich history in European competition, last meeting in the group stage of the 2018/19 Champions League, where PSG clinched a 2-1 home win after Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory in England. Their only knockout encounter was in the 1997 semi-finals of the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup, which PSG won 3-2 on aggregate before losing the final to Barcelona. The first leg will be held at the Parc des Princes in Paris on March 5, followed by the return at Anfield on March 11. This matchup is not just a contest of skill but also a clash of titans, with Liverpool currently leading the English Premier League by eight points and PSG undefeated and 10 points clear in Ligue 1. The winner of this tie will face either Club Brugge or Aston Villa in the quarters, setting the stage for a potentially historic all-English quarter-final, reminiscent of the early 1980s when the two clubs were successive European Cup winners.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: Another Madrid Derby
The draw for the last 16 also delivered a thrilling Madrid derby, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will lock horns again in the Champions League. Real Madrid, fresh from their hard-fought elimination of Manchester City in the play-offs, will host the first leg on March 4. The rivalry between these two clubs is legendary, with Real Madrid prevailing in each of their previous four Champions League encounters over the past decade. The Spanish capital was the backdrop for the finals of 2014 and 2016, both won by Real Madrid, as well as the quarter-finals in 2015 and semi-finals in 2017. Atletico’s coach, Diego Simeone, who has been at the helm for all these prior meetings, expressed his excitement and readiness for the challenge. "It’s an amazing tie, and we are ready for it," he said. Real Madrid’s Emilio Butragueno, now the club’s director of institutional relations, emphasized the quality of the opposition and the team’s confidence. "We have to play two magnificent games because of the quality of our opponents, but we have full confidence in our players and their ability to overcome all difficulties," he stated. This tie promises to be a fierce and emotional battle, with both teams boasting storied histories and passionate fan bases.
Arsenal and Club Brugge: History Repeats
Arsenal, the current leaders of the English Premier League, will face PSV Eindhoven in the last 16, with the winners advancing to a quarter-final clash against either Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners, who finished third in the league phase, will have to contend with a familiar foe after facing PSV Eindhoven in last season’s Champions League group stage. Mikel Arteta’s team secured a 4-0 home victory before drawing 1-1 in the Netherlands. Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We’ve played against them, they are a really good team. We have experienced it and it will be really difficult. We know what we are facing. When you are at this stage every team is really, really good. When the time comes we will be ready for it." The history between these clubs and their recent encounters only add to the anticipation of a hard-fought and competitive tie.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: German Derby
Another standout tie in the last 16 is the German derby between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern, the current Bundesliga leaders, will take on their domestic rivals, who are coached by former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen holds an unbeaten record in the last six meetings between the clubs, including a 1-0 win in the German Cup earlier this season. Despite this, the two teams have never faced each other in a European competition before. This tie is a testament to the strength of German football, with both sides boasting strong form and talented rosters. The winner of this all-German affair will face the victor of the Liverpool-PSG or Arsenal-Club Brugge ties in the quarter-finals, ensuring a high-stakes matchup with significant implications for the rest of the tournament.
Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan: Dutch Resurgence
Feyenoord, the 1970 European Cup winners, will square off against Italian champions Inter Milan in the last 16. Feyenoord’s qualification is especially noteworthy as they knocked out AC Milan in the play-offs, adding another layer of Italian rivalry to the tournament. The first leg will be played at Feyenoord’s home ground, and the winner will face Bayern or Leverkusen in the quarter-finals. This tie represents a resurgence of Dutch football in the Champions League, as it marks the first time two Dutch clubs have reached the last 16 since the 2005/06 season. Feyenoord’s success and the history of both clubs in European football make this a tie to watch, with the potential for historic moments and memorable performances.
Barcelona vs. Benfica and Dortmund vs. Lille: High-Stakes Showdowns
The last 16 also includes two other high-stakes ties. Current La Liga leaders Barcelona will face Benfica, whom they recently defeated 5-4 away in Lisbon during the league phase. This victory gives Barcelona a psychological edge, but Benfica’s resilience and quality will ensure a challenging encounter. Last season’s beaten finalists, Borussia Dortmund, will take on French side Lille. Dortmund, known for their youthful and dynamic team, will be eager to make amends for their previous loss, while Lille will be determined to upset the odds. The semi-final draw adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the possibility of Liverpool facing Arsenal or Real Madrid squaring off against PSG in the last four. These potential matchups highlight the competitive and unpredictable nature of the Champions League, where any team can upset the established order. The final of this season’s Champions League is set to take place in Munich on May 31, providing a fitting backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the tournament.
