Champions League Last-16 Draw: Liverpool to Face PSG; Real Meet Atletico in Madrid Derby
The UEFA Champions League last-16 draw has set the stage for thrilling encounters as all sixteen teams learn their opponents for the knockout phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
The draw revealed that Liverpool will face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain, a matchup that promises to be a clash of titans. If Liverpool can triumph over the French champions, they may encounter Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, as Villa prepares to take on Club Brugge.
Arsenal, meanwhile, has been paired with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. This matchup rekindles memories of previous encounters, including their meetings in the 2022-23 Europa League and the 2023-24 Champions League group stages.
Should the Gunners advance, they could potentially face Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, who are set to battle in a highly anticipated derby, reminiscent of their past finals.
In addition to these exciting matchups, the draw also features other notable clashes. Bayern Munich will take on Bayer Leverkusen, with the winner facing either Feyenoord or Inter Milan in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona, who finished second in the league phase, will meet Benfica, while Borussia Dortmund is set to face Lille, with the victor of that tie likely to challenge Barcelona in the next round.
The potential for an all-English final remains alive, as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa could meet in the latter stages of the tournament.
Historical rivalries could be reignited, with possible matchups including Arsenal against Barcelona, reminiscent of the 2005-06 final, or Liverpool facing Bayern Munich, echoing their 2019-20 final encounter.
2024-25 Champions League Last-16 Draw:
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
PSV Eindhoven vs. Arsenal
Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
Benfica vs. Barcelona
