/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
/sky247-english/media/media_files/oXHoxgPA7CrylmMTcwp1.jpg)
Follow Us/sky247-english/media/media_files/72wT2QJyKCKAoJnfiWEg.png)
Defending champions Manchester United gets an easy draw! (Source: Twitter)
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draws for the 2023–24 season unveiled exciting matchups that promise intense football action. Defending champions Manchester City found themselves in a favourable position as they were drawn against Copenhagen. The Danish champions, who caused a stir by defeating Manchester United in the group stage, will now face the defending champions.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/L36rCpmHRJkAgRgNCcLd.jpg)
Pep Guardiola's City, aiming to retain their title, is expected to have a relatively straightforward encounter against their Danish opponents in February. One of the most anticipated clashes is the meeting between last season's runners-up, Inter Milan, and two-time runner-up Atletico Madrid. The matchup not only pits two top European clubs against each other but also marks a reunion for Atletico coach Diego Simeone with the club where he spent two seasons as a player in the late 1990s.
Paris Saint-Germain, the Ligue 1 winners, faced a sigh of relief as they were drawn against Real Sociedad. PSG, having been eliminated in the knockout stages in the past two seasons, will look to navigate their way to the quarterfinals against a Real Sociedad side making their first-ever appearance in the round of 16.
Barcelona is set to face Napoli in the knockout stage
Another eye-catching fixture features Barcelona against Napoli, promising an intense battle between two formidable sides. Arsenal will lock horns with FC Porto, Bayern Munich is set to face Lazio, and Real Madrid, vying for a record-extending 15th title, will take on RB Leipzig in matches where they are heavily favoured.
Dortmund's encounter with PSV Eindhoven adds intrigue to the draw, with PSV coached by former Borussia manager Peter Bosz and making their first appearance in the last 16 in eight years. The first legs of these tantalising matchups will unfold in mid-February, with the return matches scheduled for March.
The Champions League final, the pinnacle of European club football, is set to take place at Wembley in London on June 1, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the knockout stages as teams vie for a chance to lift the prestigious trophy.