Champions League Draw: 16 Teams Await Next Round Showdowns

NYON, Switzerland — Sixteen teams remain in this year’s UEFA Champions League, and they will discover their next round opponents today. The draw will determine matchups for the knockout stage, with first legs set for March 4 and 5, and second legs on March 11 and 12.

The eight clubs that topped the league phase will be drawn against teams that advanced from the knockout phase. Notably, Manchester City, the Premier League champions, failed to qualify for the last 16, marking a significant upset given their recent dominance in domestic football.

Liverpool dominated the league phase, winning all seven of their opening matches, while Arsenal secured six wins from eight matches. Aston Villa made waves as Champions League debutants, edging out Bayern Munich for a spot in the knockout round.

Meanwhile, Serie A clubs struggled to capitalize on their additional Champions League spot. AC Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta all faced elimination in the play-off round. Inter Milan remains the sole Italian representative, following a dismal showing from their compatriots.

Real Madrid‘s Kylian Mbappe was instrumental in their success against Manchester City, scoring a hat trick that left City reeling and out of contention. Madrid’s success in the tournament builds on their history of thriving in high-pressure situations, particularly under veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The upcoming draw promises exciting matchups, including potential showdowns between top clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, after a 10-0 aggregate victory against Brest, is set to face either Liverpool or Barcelona, who finished first and second in the league phase. Atletico Madrid might find themselves in a Madrid derby against their city rivals, Real Madrid, or take on Bayern Munich in a clash with significant stakes.

Aside from the Champions League draw, the Europa League and Europa Conference League draws will also take place today, creating additional intrigue as Premier League teams look to salvage their seasons. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United aim to advance in the Europa League, while Chelsea faces expectations to win the Conference League trophy.

The format of the Champions League has evolved this season, leading to an increase in matches from 125 to 189. The final is scheduled for May 31 in Munich, where the road to European glory continues for the remaining contenders.

Fans eager to follow the draw can tune in to live coverage on UEFA.com, with broadcasting options also available across various platforms globally.