Champions League last-16 draw: Chelsea face PSG, Man City meet Real Madrid again

The UEFA Champions League last-16 draw has produced a series of heavyweight ties, with Chelsea set to take on holders Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City drawn against Real Madrid for the fifth consecutive season in the knockout rounds, Sport360NG reports.

Despite six Premier League clubs progressing to the last 16, there will be no all-English clashes. Leaders Arsenal have been paired with Bayer Leverkusen, while Newcastle United will face Barcelona. Liverpool take on Galatasaray, and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a tie against Atletico Madrid.

First-leg fixtures are scheduled for March 10 and 11, with return legs to be played on March 17 and 18. Newcastle will host Barcelona in the opening leg, while the remaining Premier League sides are set to play their second legs at home after qualifying automatically for the knockout phase.

Chelsea–PSG Headline Tie

Chelsea’s meeting with PSG rekindles memories of last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, where the Blues defeated the French champions 3-0 in New Jersey.

Chelsea director of football David Barnard acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted the club would approach the contest with confidence.

“It’s going to be a tough tie, but we have no fear,” he said. “We must take it one game at a time. This is a strong opening test.”

Head coach Liam Rosenior, who previously worked in Ligue 1, described the draw as an exciting challenge, praising PSG boss Luis Enrique for his impact in Paris.

Enrique, however, downplayed any talk of revenge, stressing that the Champions League represents a different stage entirely.

Familiar Foes for City

City’s clash with Real Madrid continues a growing European rivalry. The sides have met nine times since April 2022, including during this season’s league phase, when City secured victory in Madrid.

Director of football Hugo Viana labelled the encounter “like a final,” underlining the significance of the tie for both clubs.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will welcome Galatasaray to Anfield for the second leg. Club ambassador Ian Rush believes the home advantage could prove decisive, citing the unique atmosphere at the stadium.

Path to Budapest

The route to the final, set for May 30 at the Puskas Arena, is already mapped out. Should Newcastle and Tottenham advance, they would meet in the quarter-finals. Chelsea and Liverpool could also be on course for a last-eight showdown.

Opta’s projections place Arsenal as clear favourites after topping the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight. Mikel Arteta’s side have been given a 27.4% chance of lifting the trophy, ahead of Bayern Munich (14.28%). Liverpool (12.83%) and City (10.79%) follow, with Real Madrid rated at 2.78%.

Chelsea (6.86%) are considered more likely to progress than PSG (4.64%), while Tottenham are viewed as outsiders at 1.22%, despite qualifying by winning last season’s Europa League.

Former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt insisted anything remains possible at this stage, recalling the club’s successful European run last term.

Europa and Conference League

Elsewhere, the Europa League and Conference League last-16 draws were also confirmed.

Nottingham Forest will host Danish side FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League tie, while Aston Villa face Lille OSC, beginning away from home.

Crystal Palace are England’s sole representatives in the Conference League and have been drawn against AEK Larnaca, with the second leg in Cyprus.

First and second legs in both competitions will be played on March 12 and 19 respectively, setting up an intense fortnight of European action across the continent.