2 years ago
This is the live blog for the Champions League last-16 draw. We'll find out which teams will face each other in the first knockout round of Europe's premier club competition at 11:00 GMT. We'll have a build-up to the draw, followed by updates as the teams are drawn.
Champions League last-16 ties
• Benfica vs Real Madrid
• Villarreal vs Manchester City
• Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich
• Red Bull Salzburg vs Liverpool
• Inter vs Ajax
• Sporting CP vs Juventus
• Chelsea vs Lille
• PSG vs Manchester United
PSG vs Manchester United
Wasn't it bound to happen? In the Champions League last 16, Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United. There's also a match-up between Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, two former Real Madrid centre-backs.
Lille vs Chelsea
Chelsea could have drawn a strong opponent if they had finished second in their group, but they will be content with their draw against Lille.
Sporting CP vs Juventus
In a matchup of Cristiano Ronaldo's two former clubs, Sporting will face Juventus.
Ajax vs Inter
Inter has been drawn against Ajax in a matchup that promises to be thrilling.
Liverpool vs. Red Bull Salzburg
In the Champions League's first knockout round, Red Bull Salzburg will face Liverpool.
Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid will face Bayern Munich, with the two having met in the group stage last year.
Villarreal vs Manchester City
Villarreal was originally paired with Manchester United, but this was not possible due to the fact that they were in the same group. Arshavin chose another group winner in Manchester City, so Villarreal will play them.
Real Madrid vs. Benfica
The first last-16 matchup is between Benfica and Real Madrid.
The first team is drawn by Marchetti.
The first team to be drawn from the runners-up pot is Benfica.
Michael Heselschwerdt explains the procedure
Michael Heselschwerdt, UEFA's head of club competitions, is looking into the rules and regulations for the last-16 stage. It's all pretty straightforward.
The star visitor is Arshavin.
Andriy Arshavin, the ambassador for the 2022 Champions League final, has been announced as the special guest who will assist in the team draw. The former Zenit and Arsenal player was born in Saint Petersburg, which will host this year's Champions League final.
Giorgio Marchetti speaks
Giorgio Marchetti, UEFA's deputy general secretary, is currently standing and discussing the Champions League group stage. The time it takes to get to the actual draw feels like an eternity. Let's hope they get started as soon as possible.
Sebastian Haller, Ajax's top scorer in the Champions League group stage, surprised many by scoring 10 goals in six games, but who will have scored the most goals by the end of the competition? Robert Lewandowski, who already has nine goals, is likely to be optimistic about his chances.
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