UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixtures have been set, promising a series of intense clashes between European football’s elite clubs.
The draw, held yesterday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, saw 16 teams learn their fate, with fixtures igniting fervour and anticipation among football enthusiasts worldwide.
16 teams, consisting of eight group winners and runners-up, were drawn to face each other for the next round of the 2023/34 UEFA Champions League.
The much-anticipated draw revealed intriguing match-ups, with reigning champions from the major European leagues stepping into the fray. Manchester City, Barcelona, Napoli, and Paris Saint-Germain, all holding the prestigious titles in their respective leagues, are among the contenders for the coveted Champions League trophy.
Real Madrid, with their illustrious record of 14 UEFA Champions League titles, reaffirmed their status among the seeded clubs, ensuring an electric atmosphere for the upcoming fixtures.
The Round of 16 fixtures, scheduled to unfold across February and March of 2024, are poised to be gripping encounters. Notably, the draw has set the stage for some enthralling clashes with previous history between the clubs.
Among the matchups, Napoli is set to square off against Barcelona, reigniting memories of their gripping encounters in past European competitions. Meanwhile, PSG will lock horns with Real Sociedad, promising a battle of tactics and skills.
The fixture list also showcases clashes between seasoned giants and rising powers. Currently viewed as favourites in the competition, Manchester City will face Copenhagen, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter between experience and ambition.
However, regulations have ensured that clubs cannot face opponents they encountered during the group stage.
Additionally, the draw prohibits sides from the same country competing against each other in the Round of 16.
The first legs are scheduled for February 13-14 and 20-21, 2024; the return legs are set for March 5-6 and 12-13, 2024.
Porto v Arsenal
Napoli v Barcelona
PSG v Real Sociedad
Inter v Atletico Madrid
PSV v Borussia Dortmund
Lazio v Bayern Munich
Copenhagen v Manchester City
RB Leipzig v Real Madrid