Champions League Last-16 Draw: Premier League Clubs Learn Potential Opponents
The Premier League boasts six representatives remaining in the Champions League, with each club now aware of their potential opponents following the conclusion of the playoff ties. The draw for the last-16 stage is scheduled for Friday morning, setting the path to the final in Budapest.
Premier League Clubs in the Knockout Rounds
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have automatically secured their spot in the knockout rounds, joined by current league leaders Arsenal. Manchester City and Chelsea also automatically qualified for the last 16, while Newcastle overcame a challenge by defeating Qarabag 9-2 on aggregate after not finishing in the top eight initially.
With the playoffs concluded, each team can narrow down their potential opponents to two, adding anticipation to the upcoming draw.
Potential Matchups for Premier League Sides
Chelsea: The Blues could face fellow Premier League side Newcastle or French opponents Paris Saint-Germain, who progressed with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Monaco.
Newcastle: The Magpies might draw Chelsea or face a tough challenge against Spanish champions Barcelona, who automatically advanced after finishing fifth in the league stage.
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta's side could meet Bayer Leverkusen, involving former players Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie, or Atalanta, who staged a stunning comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund in the playoffs.
Manchester City: City will be paired with either Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid, both faced in the group phase. Bodo/Glimt impressed in the playoffs by handily beating Inter, while Real Madrid laboured to overcome Benfica.
Liverpool: The Reds aim to add to their six European titles but face a difficult draw against Atletico Madrid, who thumped Club Brugge, or Galatasaray, who edged past Juventus in a thrilling extra-time tie.
Tottenham: Igor Tudor's side have an identical draw to Liverpool, with potential opponents being Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray.
Champions League Round of 16 Possible Fixtures
- Arsenal/Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen/Atalanta
- Chelsea/Barcelona vs Newcastle/Paris Saint-Germain
- Liverpool/Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid/Galatasaray
- Manchester City/Sporting vs Real Madrid/Bodo Glimt
Seeded teams will play the second leg at home, adding strategic importance to the draw outcomes.
