Nyon, Switzerland – February 21, 2025.
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw was finalized today at 11:00 GMT (12:00 WAT) at UEFA’s House of European Football in Nyon, setting the stage for an explosive knockout phase. With the top eight league phase teams paired against the eight knockout play-off winners, the draw has delivered a mix of favorable matchups and blockbuster clashes. The first legs are scheduled for March 4-5, with return legs on March 11-12. Here’s the full breakdown of the fixtures, which clubs landed easy paths, and the must-watch games.
Confirmed Round of 16 Fixtures
Based on the draw, the official pairings are:
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Liverpool (LIV) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
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Inter Milan (INT) vs. Feyenoord (FEY)
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Atlético Madrid (ATM) vs. Real Madrid (RMA)
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Bayer Leverkusen (LEV) vs. Bayern Munich (FCB)
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Arsenal (ARS) vs. PSV Eindhoven (PSV)
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Barcelona (BAR) vs. Benfica (SLB)
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Aston Villa (AVL) vs. Club Brugge (CLU)
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Lille (LIL) vs. Borussia Dortmund (BVB)
Clubs with Favorable Draws
Some teams will be relieved to have drawn opponents they’re expected to handle:
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Arsenal: Finishing third in the league phase, Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven, who narrowly defeated Juventus 4-3 on aggregate in the play-offs. The Gunners’ defensive solidity (conceding just two goals in eight league phase games) and home advantage at the Emirates make this a tie they’re favored to win comfortably.
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Aston Villa: Eighth-placed Villa drew Club Brugge, who finished 24th and edged Atalanta 3-2 in the play-offs. Villa’s strong form under Unai Emery and their fortress-like Villa Park give them a clear edge over a Brugge side that’s struggled for consistency.
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Barcelona: Second in the league phase, Barcelona take on Benfica, who overcame Monaco 3-2 in the play-offs. Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barça, with their attacking flair, should overpower a Benfica team that’s been inconsistent this season, especially with the second leg at Camp Nou.
Clubs Facing Tough Challenges
Others weren’t as lucky, drawing formidable opposition:
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Liverpool: Despite topping the league phase with seven wins from eight, the Reds face PSG, who crushed Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs. PSG’s attacking firepower, led by Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, poses a massive test for Liverpool, even with the second leg at Anfield.
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Atlético Madrid: Atlético drew arch-rivals Real Madrid, the defending champions who beat Manchester City 6-3 in the play-offs. This Madrid derby will be a brutal challenge for Diego Simeone’s defensive tactics against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad, featuring Kylian Mbappé.
Must-Watch Clashes
The draw has produced several blockbuster ties that will electrify fans:
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Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain: The marquee matchup. Liverpool’s controlled, high-pressing style under Arne Slot meets PSG’s explosive attack in a clash of Europe’s elite. With the second leg at Anfield, this tie promises drama and could be decided by a moment of brilliance—or chaos.
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Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: A Madrid derby with Champions League stakes. Real’s attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Bellingham faces Atlético’s suffocating defense. Expect a fiery, high-stakes battle for city pride and a quarterfinal spot.
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Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich: An all-German showdown pitting Xabi Alonso’s sixth-placed Leverkusen against Bayern, who thrashed Celtic 6-1 in the play-offs. Harry Kane’s Bayern will test Leverkusen’s unbeaten form from last season’s Bundesliga triumph—a tactical masterpiece in the making.
Path to Munich
The Round of 16 marks the start of the knockout journey to the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Barcelona may feel confident, but Liverpool and Atlético face defining early tests. For fans, the headline ties, especially Liverpool vs. PSG and the Madrid derby guarantee unmissable drama. The countdown to March is on, as Europe’s finest battle for Champions League glory.