The Champions League last-16 draw has produced a series of exciting fixtures, headlined by a blockbuster Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Meanwhile, Liverpool will take on the attacking firepower of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in another must-watch showdown. With the road to the final taking shape, fans can expect high drama, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Champions League round of 16 draw:
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) February 21, 2025
🇫🇷 LILLE vs DORTMUND 🇩🇪
🇧🇪 CLUB BRUGGE vs ASTON VILLA 🏴
🇪🇸 REAL MADRID vs ATLETICO 🇪🇸
🇩🇪 BAYERN MUNICH vs LEVERKUSEN 🇩🇪
🏴 ARSENAL vs PSV 🇳🇱
🇮🇹 INTER vs FEYENOORD 🇳🇱
🏴 LIVERPOOL vs. PSG 🇫🇷
🇪🇸 BARCELONA vs. BENFICA 🇵🇹… pic.twitter.com/wbxJUUt6R7
Madrid Derby: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
A Madrid derby in the Champions League is always a spectacle, and this encounter is no different. Defending champions Real Madrid will lock horns with city rivals Atlético Madrid, rekindling memories of their previous high-stakes European clashes, including the finals of 2014 and 2016—both won by Los Blancos.
This season, the two teams have been closely matched in La Liga, with their domestic encounters ending in 1-1 draws. Real Madrid reached this stage with an impressive 6-3 aggregate victory over Manchester City, while Atlético Madrid navigated their way past a determined Napoli side.
Atlético’s manager, Diego Simeone, acknowledged the challenge, stating:
“We have a great rival. We’re going to have a great game, and we’re prepared.”
With Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Antoine Griezmann expected to shine, this battle promises to be one of the most thrilling ties of the round.
Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain: A Clash of Titans
Six-time European champions Liverpool will take on an in-form PSG, a team that has found their attacking rhythm under Luis Enrique. The French giants stormed into the last 16 with a 10-0 aggregate victory over Brest, showcasing their firepower.
Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, will have to devise a strategy to contain the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Achraf Hakimi. With the second leg set to take place at Anfield, the Reds will look to use their home advantage in pursuit of a place in the quarter-finals.
Other Exciting Fixtures in the Champions League Last-16 Draw
Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven
The Gunners will face familiar opposition in Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. After recent encounters in European competitions, Arsenal will aim to progress by making their home advantage count in the return leg.
Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge
For the first time since 1983, Aston Villa will feature in the knockout rounds. Their clash with Club Brugge offers them a chance to settle the score after their earlier group stage defeat.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
An all-German showdown sees Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen. With Bayern holding an eight-point domestic advantage, Leverkusen will have to be at their best to pull off an upset.
Benfica vs. Barcelona
Five-time winners Barcelona take on Portuguese side Benfica, a team they edged out in a thrilling 5-4 group stage encounter. With Raphinha scoring the decisive goal last time, expect another closely fought battle.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
Last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund will aim for another deep run in the tournament as they face French outfit Lille.
Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan
Dutch champions Feyenoord take on Italian heavyweights Inter Milan, presenting a stern test for newly appointed manager Robin van Persie.
Potential Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Matchups
The Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals could serve up even more drama:
- If Liverpool and Aston Villa both progress, an all-English quarter-final could be on the cards.
- Arsenal may face the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid clash, setting up another blockbuster tie.
Champions League Last-16 Match Dates
The knockout rounds are set to unfold as follows:
- First legs: March 4-5
- Second legs: March 11-12
- Quarter-finals: April 8-9 and 15-16
- Semi-finals: April 29-30 and May 6-7
- Final: May 31 at the Allianz Arena, Munich
With these matchups now confirmed, football fans around the world can look forward to another thrilling stage of the Champions League last-16 draw. The stakes are high, the rivalries are intense, and only the best will advance in the quest for European glory.
