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UEFA round of 16 draw: Must watch fixtures from Champions and Europa League

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UEFA round of 16 draw: Must watch fixtures from Champions and Europa League
UEFA round of 16 draw: Must watch fixtures from Champions and Europa League

New Delhi: European draw for round of 16 is behind us and we have some of the best clubs in the world taking on each other. Over the years we have witnessed some big sides facing each other and we have some incredible ties in the round of 16 of the Champions League and Europa league. While there were some big names missing out on qualifications, other big sides also made sure that they fill the gaps and this season’s European draws will bring some exciting fixtures, packed full of drama and excitement. So before we head into the round of 16 of European phases, here’s a look at the must-watch clashes from Champions League and Europa League.

UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

There’s a rich history between the two Madrid sides, and an exciting Madrid derby is ahead of us in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Real Madrid managed to get the job done against Manchester City in the playoffs to get here, as they eased past them with an overall aggregate of 6-3 to progress through. As for Atletico Madrid, their great performances earned them a direct qualification as they finished fifth in the league.

An interesting battle awaits us, as this will be the fourth Madrid derby of this season. Atletico Madrid managed to cruise past the Los Blancos in their first meeting of the season in the Copa Dey Rey round of 16 as they knocked their neighbours out beating them 4-2. Other two league fixtures saw both the side sharing the spoils at 1-1, on boith ocassions. Now, with their biggest clash of the season, it will be interesting to see how the two sides plan it all out. Last time the neighbours met in the Champions League was in the 2016/17 semi final of the competition, where Madrid progressed throught to eventually lift the title.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool

It is hard to believe that thw two European giants have only faced each other twice and both were in the 2018/19 Champions League campaign in the group stages. The first time these two met was back in September 2018, when Liverpool hosted the Parisians in a thrilling game, where the Reds managed to edge past the visitors 3-2, thanks to a late Roberto Firmino goal. In the reverse fixture though, PSG took their revenge beating the Reds 2-1 at home. Yet another one of the big clashes from this season’s Champions League and it will be interesting to see which one of these title contenders would head home.

SL Benfica vs FC Barcelona

Benfica and Barcelona have already played each other in this season’s Champions League, and to be fair, it was no less than a thriller that had a toal of nine goals in the match. The Catalan club managed to edge past the Portuguese 5-4 back in January and by no means it was an easy game for Hansi Flick’s side. Benfica did a great job to progress through as they managed to beat the French side Monaco 4-3 on aggregate. If we talk about head-to-head, both the sides have met four times and both have won one each, while drawing the other two. It would be a massive upset if Benfica manage to sink Barca as an interesting battle awaits us here.

Bayern Munchen vs Bayer Leverkusen

A classic German rivalry that has a lot of history, as two of Germany’s finest football clubs will be facing each other in the round of 16 of Champions League. This is the first time the two sides are meeting in the European stages and also the third time this season. Bayern were thrashed out of the DFB Pokal by Xabi Alonso’s side and this is their chance to knock them out of the Champions League. However, it won’t be an easy task, considering the fact that Bayern are consistent performers in this competition. An interesting all-German clash is ahead of us in the Champions League.

UEFA Europa League

AFC Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Ajax have had a bumpy ride this season but they somehow managed to make it through to the round of 16. Despite losing the second leg against Union St. Gilloise, they managed to progress through to the next round, 3-2 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Frankfurt managed to earn a direct qualification and this clash would certainly be one to watch from the Europa League. The two sides have shown their vulnerabilities but both will be looking to get the job done.

Roma vs Athletic Club

Roma’s qualification was inspired by a sensational Paulo Dybala perfromance against Porto, as the Italian side won the tie 4-3 on aggregate. They have been quite spectacular ever since the manegerial change and they will be looking to put up a show against in-form and second placed in the Europa league phase, Athletic Bilbao.

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

Manchester United’s reward for automatic qualification is a matchup with Real Sociedad of Spain, who advanced 7-3 overall after defeating Midtjylland 2-1 on the road and adding five goals. Sociedad and United, the 2017 trophy winners, last faced each other in the same competition in 2022–2023, with the away team winning both games 1-0. AZ Alkmaar and their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur will face off for the second time this season.

 There will be some exciting matches in the Champions League and Europa League as a result of the UEFA Round of 16 draw. These are the must-watch knockout stage fixtures, along with heavyweight bouts and possible upsets.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today

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