Manchester City Draw Real Madrid Again, Chelsea Vs PSG as UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage Confirmed

The UEFA Champions League knockout draw has set up another heavyweight clash, with Manchester City once again paired against Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Pep Guardiola’s side, the reigning champions, will face the Spanish giants in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the competition, continuing a rivalry that has defined recent seasons.

Chelsea, meanwhile, face holders Paris Saint-Germain in a daunting last-16 fixture. Should they progress, they will meet either Galatasaray or Liverpool in the quarter-finals, before a potential semi-final against one of Real Madrid, City, Atalanta, or Bayern Munich. It is widely regarded as one of the toughest routes to the final.

Arsenal have been handed a favourable path, beginning with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners last faced the German side in 2002, securing a 4-1 victory, and will be confident of progressing given Leverkusen’s recent dip in form under Kasper Hjulmand. Victory would set up a quarter-final against either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting, before a possible semi-final against Newcastle, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur begin their campaign against Atletico Madrid, with a quarter-final against either Newcastle or Barcelona awaiting if they advance. A semi-final could bring a north London showdown with Arsenal, adding extra intrigue to the draw.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, face Barcelona in their first knockout tie. Eddie Howe’s side could then meet Atletico Madrid or Spurs in the quarter-finals, with a semi-final against Arsenal or Sporting potentially on the horizon.

Liverpool start against Galatasaray, with the prospect of a quarter-final against PSG or Chelsea. Jürgen Klopp’s men could then face Real Madrid, City, Atalanta, or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, setting up a challenging but navigable route to the final.