In the Champions League last 16 draw, holders Manchester City set to face FC Copenhagen, while Inter Milan clashes with Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated matchup.
Pep Guardiola’s City, who are looking to retain the title they won in Istanbul last June, will be expected to comfortably get the better of the Danish side, who qualified from their group at the expense of Manchester United after beating the Red Devils 4-3 at home.
Inter Milan, as Serie A leaders, faces a tough challenge against Atletico Madrid, adding intrigue to the tie with coach Diego Simeone’s history as a player with Inter in the late 1990s.
Paris Saint-Germain, often facing tough draws, meets Real Sociedad, providing a chance for the French champions to progress after recent early exits.
Barcelona and Napoli’s encounter is a standout tie, while Arsenal is expected to have an advantage over Porto.
Bayern Munich, favorites against Lazio, and Real Madrid, heavily fancied against RB Leipzig, seem poised for successful campaigns. Dortmund squares off against PSV Eindhoven in another exciting matchup.
The first legs are scheduled for mid-February, with return matches taking place in March.
The Champions League final is set to grace Wembley in London on June 1.
FULL UCL Last 16 Draws
The draw for the last 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League, made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday:
FC Porto (POR) v Arsenal (ENG)
Napoli (ITA) v Barcelona (ESP)
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Real Sociedad (ESP)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Lazio (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER)
FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Manchester City (ENG)
RB Leipzig (GER) v Real Madrid (ESP)
First legs to be played on February 13/14/20/21; second legs to be played on March 5/6/12/13
(1st Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Ada Peter
