The Champions League round of 16 draw took place, resulting in a number of interesting matchups with the standout being the clash between Paris-Saint Germain and Bayern Munich.
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PSG is certainly now lamenting finishing second in their group, losing out to Benfica. As for the Germans, it’s a bit of tough look after topping their group, ahead of the likes of Inter Milan and Barcelona.
This will be a rematch from the 2020 final that saw Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 thanks to a goal by Kingsley Coman.
With the firepower PSG possess up top, they’ll be looking to Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi to lead them past an experienced side in Bayern who know how to progress deep in the tournament. The Parisians did manage to knock out Bayern in 2021.
The other standout clash pits Liverpool against Real Madrid, which is another Champions League final rematch. On paper, it looks an even tie. But the side managed by Jurgen Klopp have struggled in the league and wavered a bit in the group stage.
The reigning champions are having another good start to LaLiga and are always going to be favorites in the competition they’ve won 14 times. It seems like no matter their form, they’re a different team entirely when it comes to the Champions League.
Some other interesting matchups include Borussia Dortmund taking on Chelsea as well as AC Milan facing off against Tottenham.
Perhaps the draw most even draw of the round involves the surprise team of the tournament, Club Brugge, squaring off against Benfica. They’re two teams some of the more well-known opponents would have wanted to face but now one of these two underdogs will make it through to the quarterfinals.
The first leg of the round of 16 will take place in the middle of February with the return leg taking place in March three weeks later.