Less than a week after the last matches of the group stage, the Champions League is back. No matches, of course, but the draw for the round of 16, Monday, December 13, in Nyon (Switzerland).
Present in both hats, the French clubs of LOSC and PSG are therefore preparing to know their future opponent. Of course, the first hat is where most of the favorites are. But the second hat conceals, for its part, many reigning national champions.
LOSC, Liverpool, City and Bayern seed
Besides Lille, three English clubs appear in the hat n ° 1, that of the seeds. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have indeed finished first in their group. The Reds even share the feat of having signed six wins in six games with Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam, also in this hat.
Real Madrid and Juventus are also present. All these teams will have the advantage of receiving in the return match.
PSG in hat 2 with Chelsea, Atlético and Inter
Defending European champion, Chelsea were swung into hat 2 in the 94th minute of the last game of the group stage, to the benefit of Juventus sent among the seeds. The Blues are therefore one of the scarecrows for this draw. Just like the players of PSG, but also the champions of Spain (Atlético de Madrid) and Italy (Inter Milan). Reigning national champions Red Bull Salzburg and Sporting club Portugal also take place in this group.
Qualified in-extremis on the last day of the group stage, Benfica and Villarreal complete this hat.
No matches between compatriots, order of matches … The specifics of the draw
If you expected a duel between PSG and Lille, you will have to come back. Or wait for the rest of the final stages. In the round of 16, two teams from the same nation cannot meet. The same goes for teams from the same group. No Lille-PSG therefore, nor Lille-Salzburg or PSG-Manchester City.
For Chelsea, who appears in the hat n ° 2, his list of potential opponents is reduced to four teams (Lille, Ajax, Bayern and Real Madrid) since three compatriot teams are added to Juve, already faced in the phase of groups. No Real Madrid-Atlético Madrid either, nor Real Madrid-Inter Milan.
The dates of the round of 16
The round of 16 takes place over four weeks. The first leg will be played on Tuesday February 15 and Wednesday February 16, then the following week, Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 February. We will have to wait until March 8-9 and March 15-16 for the return matches.