The UEFA Champions League Round of sixteen draw is finally completed and we have the fixtures with us. The round of sixteen draw was held at Nyon, France and started at 4:30 pm IST on Monday 13th December.The first leg of the knockouts wills start on 15th February. Moreover, the second leg will start on 8th March 2022.
However, controversy has struck, and UEFA has now declared the DRAW NULL AND VOID. Moreover, a new draw will be held after Manchester United and Villarreal were put in the same box. This is not allowed as they were group stage opponents.
After a thrilling round of group stage matches, we finally have arrived at the knockout stages. The sixteen teams which participated in the draw are- Real Madrid CF, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon, AFC Ajax, LOSC Lille, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Paris Saint Germain and RB Salzburg.
The BIG MATCH- Manchester United vs Paris Saint Germain
This is definitely the highlight of the round of sixteen draw. The battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi takes a new turn with these new teams. Moreover, with the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, it is set to get even better.
Two great teams and the battle of the ages. Manchester United vs Paris Saint Germain is by far the highlight of this draw and we just can’t wait to get the party started.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Julian Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich vs Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid
Another high voltage match that is lined up for football lovers is Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid. Bayern Munich topped their respective group by winning all their group matches and demolished Barcelona.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid finished second in the group of death behind Liverpool FC. However, it is still going to be a nail biting match between two great teams and coaches.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: The Defending Champions against LOSC Lille
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea couldn’t have gotten a better result. With the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax, they managed Lille. After a disappointing group stage performance, the defending champions have a relatively easier fixture.
However, we cannot disregard the French team as well. LOSC Lille is still a great team and hence topped their respective group.
Tale of TWO ATTACKING THREATS- Inter Milan vs AFC Ajax
Now this is another mouth watering prospect for the round of sixteen. AFC Ajax have some brilliant young talent in their ranks which includes Sebastien Haller, Antony, David Neres and more who play some delightful free flowing football.
On the other hand, we have the Italian club Inter Milan who too can on their day defeat any team. The likes of Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko, up front supported by Milan Skriniar, de Vrij at the back, make them a great team.
Rest of the fixtures from the Draw
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been drawn against German team RB Salzburg whereas Manchester City have received Spanish team Villarreal. Real Madrid go up against Benfica and table toppers Juventus will go head to head with Sporting Lisbon.
HERE IS FULL LIST OF THE CANCELLED FIXTURES-
- Manchester City vs Villarreal
- Liverpool FC vs RB Salzburg
- Chelsea vs LOSC Lille
- Manchester United vs Paris Saint Germain
- Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon
- Real Madrid CF vs Benfica
- Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid
- Inter Milan vs AFC Ajax
