The road to Munich just got a lot tougher for Europe’s elite as the UEFA Champions League last 16 draw delivered some mouthwatering matchups, headlined by a titanic clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
Friday’s draw saw the top eight sides from the league phase joined by the eight teams who battled through the play-offs, setting the stage for an intense knockout round. While heavyweights like Manchester City, AC Milan, and Juventus bowed out early, giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG remain in contention.
Liverpool vs PSG: A Heavyweight Battle
The standout fixture of the round pits Premier League giants Liverpool against Kylian Mbappé’s PSG. Both sides have their sights firmly set on European glory, and with attacking talent in abundance, this tie promises to be a high-octane affair.
Meanwhile, Madrid will host a derby showdown as Real and Atlético clash in what is sure to be a fiery encounter. Arsenal face a tricky test against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, while Barcelona lock horns with Benfica, a side eager to prove themselves on the big stage.
Full Champions League 2024/25 Last 16 Draw
(First legs listed)
- PSG vs Liverpool
- Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
- Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
- PSV vs Arsenal
- Feyenoord vs Inter
- Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
- Benfica vs Barcelona
Route to the Final
The quarter-final and semi-final draws have also been mapped out, offering fans a glimpse of potential heavyweight encounters further down the line.
The winner of Liverpool vs PSG will face either Club Brugge or Aston Villa, while Real Madrid or Atlético could meet Arsenal or PSV in the last eight.
Key Dates for the Knockout Stages
The first legs of the last 16 will take place on 4/5 March, with the return fixtures set for 11/12 March. Quarter-finals kick off on 8/9 April, giving teams just under a month to prepare for the next challenge.
With Munich Stadium set to host the grand finale on 31 May, every remaining team will be dreaming of lifting the trophy under the famous arch. But first, they must navigate what promises to be one of the most thrilling knockout rounds in recent memory.
Check out the road road to the final draw;
