The Champions League round of 16 draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, unveiling some exciting matchups that promise to deliver high-stakes football drama.
Defending champions Real Madrid will face city rivals Atletico Madrid in a Madrid derby showdown. This clash adds another chapter to their storied rivalry, with Real Madrid having previously defeated Atletico in the final in 2014 and 2016.
Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga leaders, will take on Bayer Leverkusen in a German classic encounter. Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, boasts an impressive record against Bayern, having never lost to them in six games across three seasons.
Liverpool, the top-seeded team, has been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, setting up a highly-anticipated matchup between the Premier League leaders and the French giants. The two teams have never met in knockout stages, with their previous encounters in the group stage resulting in home wins for each side.
Other notable pairings include Barcelona facing Benfica, Arsenal meeting PSV Eindhoven, and Inter Milan taking on Feyenoord. Feyenoord, fresh off eliminating AC Milan, will return to San Siro to face Inter Milan.
Club Brugge, the final qualification place holder, will challenge Aston Villa, whom they previously defeated. Borussia Dortmund will square off against Lille in another intriguing matchup.
The new Champions League format allows for exciting matchups like the Madrid and German derbies, as well as the opportunity for teams to face each other again after meeting in the group stage.
With the first-leg games scheduled for March 4-5 and the return legs a week later, football fans can look forward to thrilling encounters as the knockout stage of the Champions League unfolds.
For more soccer news and updates, visit AP soccer.
