Switzerland, (EU):- The UEFA Champions League and Europa League Round of 16 draws were unveiled Friday with a series of tantalizing matchups, as English clubs Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa discovered their paths to potential glory in Munich.
The draws hosted at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyom, Switzerland, saw Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid pair up in a Madrid derby as the Spanish giants seek to reignite their fierce rivalry in a blockbuster Champions League clash.
Liverpool, who topped the inaugural Champions League phase with 21 points, will face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes encounter. Despite a final matchday defeat to PSV Eindhoven, the Reds remain strong contenders.
Arsenal, finishing third in the league phase, will take on PSV Eindhoven, while Aston Villa, who secured the final automatic qualification spot, will meet Club Brugge.
The standout tie of the Champions League draw sees Real Madrid pitted against city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, fresh from defeating Manchester City in the Round of 32, will aim to continue their quest for a record-extending 15th title.
The first leg will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the return fixture at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Other notable Champions League fixtures include Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona vs. Benfica, and Inter Milan vs. Feyenoord.
The first legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 knockout phase are scheduled for February 18-19, with the second legs on March 4-5.
In the Europa League, 2017 winners Manchester United will face Real Sociedad, while Tottenham take on AZ Alkmaar.
Rangers, meanwhile, have been drawn against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, setting up a potential reunion of Mourinho with the Red Devils.
Manchester United, who finished the league phase unbeaten, could meet Rangers in the semi-finals or Mourinho in the semi-final stage, should both teams progress thus far.
The Europa Conference League also delivered intriguing ties, with Chelsea set to face Copenhagen.
The Blues will travel to Denmark for the first leg on March 6 before hosting the return fixture at Stamford Bridge a week later.
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