The draw for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League has reserved its share of beautiful posters between major European teams. Here is an overview of upcoming meetings:
FC Porto (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG)
Arsenal, at the top of the Premier League, will be favorites to reach the quarter-finals, but Porto have proven in the past their ability to rise among the top eight teams in Europe. The Gunners finally return to the competition after their elimination in the round of 16 during their last participation in 2017. Porto, for their part, created a surprise by beating Shakhtar Donetsk to qualify.
Napoli (ITA) vs Barcelona (ESP)
This will be the third meeting in five seasons between these two teams, which were two of Diego Maradona’s former teams. Barcelona had the upper hand during the last confrontation in 2019/2020. The Catalans finished top of their group ahead of Porto, while Napoli had to settle for second place behind Real Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) vs Real Sociedad (ESP)
Paris Saint-Germain, who finished second in their group, can be satisfied with this draw against a Real Sociedad team which is returning to the round of 16 for the first time in two decades. The Parisians have failed at this stage of the competition in the last two seasons and hope to finally reach this milestone this year.
Inter Milan (ITA) vs Atletico Madrid (ESP)
This poster promises to be one of the most exciting duels of these round of 16. Inter Milan, the unsuccessful finalists of the previous edition, are currently top of Serie A, while Atletico Madrid are in the race for the La Liga title. Both teams finished top of their respective groups and the showdown between Antonio Conte and Diego Simeone promises to be intense.
PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs Borussia Dortmund (GER)
PSV Eindhoven, who have a string of victories in the Eredivisie, face Borussia Dortmund in a match that promises to be explosive. Both teams finished top of their groups, but Dortmund have been more impressive in the Champions League this season. PSV coach Peter Bosz returns to his former club, which sacked him in 2017.
Lazio (ITA) vs Bayern Munich (GER)
Lazio, struggling in Serie A, faces a tough challenge when they face defending champions Bayern Munich. The Italians were eliminated by the Bavarians in their last appearance in the round of 16 in 2017. Bayern, meanwhile, flew through the group stage and are counting on the exceptional performances of Harry Kane to go far in the competition.
FC Copenhagen (DEN) vs Manchester City (ENG)
FC Copenhagen, who had to go through three qualifying rounds to reach the group stage, put in a strong performance to advance to the round of 16 for the first time in 13 years. But they will have a hard time facing the title holders, Manchester City. The Sky Blues have struggled in the Premier League of late, but remain favorites for the Champions League title.
RB Leipzig (GER) vs Real Madrid (ESP)
RB Leipzig returns to Real Madrid, after facing them in the group stage last season. The Germans were eliminated by the Madrilenians in the round of 16, but hope to take their revenge this year. Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, are still a serious candidate to win the Champions League, despite the injuries that have affected the team this season.
The UEFA Champions League round of 16 therefore promises spectacle and exciting clashes between the best teams in Europe. The favorites are there, but history has often had surprises in store for us in this competition. See you in February for the first matches of these thrilling confrontations.