Manchester City will renew their fierce rivalry with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League following Friday’s draw held in Nyon, Switzerland.
The clash marks their sixth knockout meeting since the 2019/2020 season, underlining a growing European rivalry between the English and Spanish giants. City edged the 15-time European champions 2-1 during December’s group stage encounter, setting the stage for another heavyweight battle many observers have described as worthy of a final. Read also: FA Cup: Arsenal thrash Wigan 4-0 to reach fifth round
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on Chelsea in a repeat of last season’s heated Club World Cup final, which was won by the English side. Both clubs have expressed confidence ahead of the high-stakes tie.
Premier League leaders Arsenal, who topped the league phase with eight straight victories to avoid Europe’s traditional heavyweights, have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen.
German powerhouse Bayern Munich, runners-up in the group stage, will battle Atalanta, who advanced after eliminating Borussia Dortmund via a stoppage-time penalty in the playoffs.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United will meet Barcelona, while Liverpool face Turkish champions Galatasaray.FA Cup: Arsenal thrash Wigan 4-0 to reach fifth round
Struggling Tottenham Hotspur are up against Atletico Madrid, as Norwegian surprise package Bodo/Glimt square off with Sporting CP.
Last-16 Fixtures:
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting
PSG vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Atletico vs Tottenham
Atalanta vs Bayern
Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Quarter-final and semi-final pairings were also confirmed, setting up potential blockbuster encounters as Europe’s elite chase Champions League glory.
Quarter-final Pairings:
QF1: PSG/Chelsea vs Galatasaray/Liverpool
QF2: Real Madrid/Man City vs Atalanta/Bayern
QF3: Newcastle/Barcelona vs Atletico/Tottenham
QF4: Bodo/Glimt/Sporting vs Leverkusen/Arsenal
Semi-finals:
Semi-final 1: QF1 winners vs QF2 winners
Semi-final 2: QF3 winners vs QF4 winners
With several European heavyweights on a collision course, the race for continental supremacy promises drama, intensity and potentially classic encounters in the weeks ahead.
