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Dream Champions League round of 16 draw

By John Harbeck

NYON, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 24: The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed in the draw room ahead to the UEFA CChampions League Q1 and Q2 qualifying rounds draw at the UEFA headquarters on June 24, 2013 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
NYON, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 24: The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed in the draw room ahead to the UEFA CChampions League Q1 and Q2 qualifying rounds draw at the UEFA headquarters on June 24, 2013 in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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With the group stage coming to an end Wednesday we can now look forward to the round of 16 Champions League draw happening Monday morning.

The UEFA rules are quite simple, teams from the same country can’t play each other and you can also not play a team from your group.

Here are my optimal eight games that would excite me the most.  I want to see two things result from this draw.  First, is I want to see giants drawn together to obviously provide compelling early matches, while also knocking out one of those giants early.  Second, is I want to see at least one relative minnow given a favorable draw to better the chances we see a fun run by a smaller club.  So here are my optimal matchups that we could see drawn Monday (1st placed group teams in bold):

Arsenal v Real Madrid

This would be hilarious for the simple reason that the insufferable Arsenal fans that we all have in our lives blew up social media celebrating the fact they finally won their group.  It would be so fitting to see them drawn against arguably the best club in terms of form.

Barcelona v Bayern Munich

An absolutely top-notch clash this would be the highlight of the round without a doubt.  With both of these historic champions struggling in their respective leagues, an early elimination from the Champions League could lead to major problems and perhaps a rare trophyless season.

Borussia Dortmund  v PSG

The German giants scored a group stage record 21 goals this year and I would love to see that explosive offense unit take on a PSG side that surrendered two goals this past match week against Ludogorets.

Atletico Madrid v Manchester City

Pep returning to face a La Liga side that gave him trouble is certainly a high-profile matchup that would be interesting.  Add in the interesting strong defense vs strong attack angle and there is plenty to like from this.

Napoli v Porto

I want this match to be drawn for the simple fact that Napoli is one of the three weakest group winners along with Leicester City and Monaco, thus giving Porto an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals.

Leicester City v Benfica

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Here is to hoping that Leicester City can avoid the big boys that failed to win their group and once again be given an opportunity to create history and extend the fun story.

Monaco v  Sevilla

These two clubs seem to be constantly on the cusp of breaking through in their respective leagues and I’ll dub this the break through bowl.  A win by either club would be a very exciting prospect for their fan bases.

Juventus v Bayern Leverkusen

I associate Juventus with the old order of power and Leverkusen with the new shiny age of money in soccer.  Right or wrong I want to see a clash between these two perceived differences.

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