Defending champions Manchester City are poised to face Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, while current Premier League leaders Arsenal will take on Porto. Danish champions Copenhagen, surpassing Manchester United in their group, make their first knockout stage appearance since 2011. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, returns to the competition for the first time since 2017, seeking to overcome previous last-16 exits. Notable pairings include Napoli versus Barcelona, marking their third clash in five seasons. Bundesliga powerhouse Leipzig faces Real Madrid, the tournament's most decorated team, while Bayern Munich appears to have a favorable matchup against Serie A's Lazio. Dortmund, emerging from a challenging group, will take on PSV Eindhoven, and Paris Saint-Germain faces Real Sociedad. Last season's finalist, Inter Milan, battles Atletico Madrid. The draw adhered to Champions League regulations, pairing group winners with runners-up to avoid matchups from the same association in this stage.
Key Points:
1. Defending champion Manchester City will face Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, while current Premier League leader Arsenal takes on Porto.
2. Danish champions Copenhagen, finishing above Manchester United in their group, reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2011.
3. Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta and participating for the first time since 2017, aims to overcome past last-16 exits under Arsene Wenger's tenure.
4. Reigning Italian and Spanish champions Napoli and Barcelona, respectively, face each other for the third time in five seasons, with Barcelona winning the previous encounter in the 2019/2020 season.
5. Leipzig, a rising force in the Bundesliga, faces a challenging match against Real Madrid, the most decorated team in the tournament.
6. Record 14-time winners Real Madrid grapple with injuries, including David Alaba's cruciate ligament tear, as they take on Leipzig.
7. German champions Bayern Munich have a favorable matchup against Serie A's Lazio, currently positioned in the bottom half of the league.
8. Dortmund, emerging from a tough group, faces PSV Eindhoven, who has had an impressive start in the Eredivisie this season.
9. Paris Saint-Germain, finishing second in their group, is matched against Real Sociedad, marking the Spanish team's first
last-16 appearance in two decades.
10. Serie A leader Inter Milan, last season's finalist, faces a challenging battle against Atletico Madrid in one of the standout ties of the draw.
(With Agency Inputs)
