UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Barcelona vs SSC Napoli, FC Porto vs Arsenal, several spicy fixtures lined up for next stage
UEFA Champions League has decided to name some spicy and enterprising fixtures at the Round of 16 stage, to be held next year, as Barcelona and Napoli renew their rivalry in an enticing face-off, whereas Real Madrid locks their horns with RB Leipzig.
Some old foes, some new faces
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 looks to have some renewed rivalries to some new faces as several crunch fixtures have made their way in the Round Draw held at Nyon, Switzerland today. Former Chelsea wizard John Terry was seen at the draw, swirling his luck along with the clubs. With new draws lined-up, UEFA had congratulated all qualified teams on their success on coming till this stage, as from the draws, it was quite evident that the Group Stages were indeed treated with some magic of football.
Seasoned veterans like Manchester City, who are also the defending champions of Europe’s coveted competition, Real Madrid, one of the consistent teams in European top flight since ages and Bayern Munich were placed respectively at the top of their groups owing to their exuberant performances through six games in the group stages, FC Barcelona and Arsenal have returned to this stage after hiatus of few seasons, which have made the next round draw more enterprising, and fans would be able to cash-in all their support for their favorite clubs.
A look at the Round of 16 draw is as follows-
FC Porto vs Arsenal
SSC Napoli vs FC Barcelona
PSG vs Real Sociedad
Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid
PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund
Lazio vs Bayern Munich
FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City
RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid
Napoli vs FC Barcelona: Maradona Derby
Amidst all the top fixtures, FC Barcelona and Napoli might have been handed one of the toughest pairs in the next round, as defending champions from respective domestic leagues (Napoli- Scudetto Champions 2022/23, FC Barcelona- La Liga Champions 2022/23) would look to renew rivalry at Europe’s elite competition. Two of the biggest names in European football, they were battling out at Europe’s second tier tournament few years back, when they played against each other in Europa League. But, one thing that could be presented as an emotional front for both sides would be the essence of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who has played for both sides. The Argentine World Cup winner had been a legend among the ranks of both sides, and last year, both of his clubs- Barca and Napoli paid him a classic tribute of winning their respective league titles after a hiatus of three decades (for Napoli) and of four seasons (for Barcelona). It would be exciting to see these two sides battling it out for a quarter-final position.
FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City: David vs Goliath?
FC Copenhagen might look as minnows from the Scandinavian nation Denmark, but one would not take them lightly, as they have emerged as runners-up from a group which had Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Turkish giants FC Galatasaray. Thus, Copenhagen can be a beast on their day, and banking on their home support they have defeated English heavyweights Manchester United after trailing 2-3 in their reverse fixture. They eventually defeated Galatasaray in their last game to go through, while Galatasaray had to be content with their Europa League play-off spot. Manchester City, on the hand, had shown their champion-mentality as they outclassed their opponents in their trademark style. without their midfield metronome Kevin De Bruyne, who was ruled out owing to a massive injury. Thus, Pep’s team would be eager to go for the crown once again while battling the Danish giants- thus setting up a potential David vs Goliath fight.
The first legs will be played on February 13,14 and 20,21 with the return games fixed on March 5.6 and 12,13, as runners-up will play their first game on their home, followed by the return legs hosted by the group winners.
