The UEFA Champions League crossed halfway, and the surviving teams are heading into the main event. After the group stages, 16 notable teams topped their respective groups to progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Draw for the last 16 happened on December 18, 2023, and each qualifying team has matched with an opponent. Group leaders would face runner-ups from a different group. There are restrictions in place to prevent teams from the same national association or those that faced each other in the group stage of this season’s competition from being matched up.
The first leg will see the group winners playing at Away games, with the matches scheduled for February 13-14, 20 and 21. The 2nd legs, on the other hand, would be held on March 5-6, 12 and 13. Each clash in the Round of 16 is significant. The European elite teams will engage in a fierce battle for the highest glory in European Club football. It only gets more competitive down this part. The tension is wild, and all teams will try to make history by clinching this year’s title.
UEFA has planned to conduct the draws for both the quarterfinal and semifinal ties on the same day this season, with the scheduled date being March 15. The final will happen in Wembley, England, on Saturday, June 1. It marks the last season under the current multigroup format before the new transition to a 36-team competition with all clubs integrated into a single league table.
Teams that Qualified for the Knockout Stages
- England: Manchester City, Arsenal
- Spain: Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Atlético
- Germany: Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund
- The Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven
- Italy: Inter, Lazio, Napoli
- Denmark: Copenhagen
- France: PSG
- Portugal: Porto
EUROPA LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGES (3RD PLACE): FC Galatasaray, Lens, SC Braga, FC Benfica, Feyenoord, AC Milan, Young Boys, and Shakhtar Donetsk.
ELIMINATED TEAMS: Manchester United, Sevilla, Union Berlin, FC Salzburg, Celtic, Newcastle United, FKCrvena Zvezda, and Royal Antwerp.
UCL Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester City (Tuesday, 13th February, 20:00)
FC Copenhagen welcomes the Defending Champions Manchester City to the Telia Parken in the first Round of 16 fixture. Pep Gladiola’s City team keeps blazing hot and show no signs of slowing down on their opponent. The return of Captain Kevin De Brunye to the squad has strengthened the team vying to defend their previous glory.
Manchester City are favorites to come out of this fixture victorious. Without a first-team player at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) or the Asian Cup and fewer injury woes, Pep’s team won’t be lacking on both sides of the pitch. Copenhagen, however, has shown through their performance in Group A that they deserve their spot at the knockouts and would fight to progress further. With Manchester City’s attacking play and FC Copenhagen’s resilience, fans can anticipate an engaging encounter that may unfold into a tactical battle between the two sides.
RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid (Tuesday, 13th February, 20:00)
The spotlight turns to Germany as RB Leipzig goes head-to-head with Real Madrid at the Red Bull Arena. The German Club won all but two matches against Manchester City in Group G. However, Real Madrid dominated Group C with all 18 points from 6 games.
The 14-time Champions are the most successful team in the Competition, and one would expect them to be victorious in the encounter. Jude Bellingham is one player to watch out for in the encounter. The 20-year-old’s stats this season are overwhelming, and he is known to be a game-changer. RB Leipzig also has a list of talented youngsters like Xavi Simons and Lois Openda, who have been getting the job done in front of the goal. Expect Real Madrid’s experience and RB Leipzig’s dynamic style. The battle between these two teams in Leipzig will highlight the outcome of the 2nd Leg.
Lazio vs. Bayern Munich (Wednesday, 14th February, 20:00)
Italian side Lazio faces a daunting challenge against Bayern Munich. Lazio sits outside the top four in Serie A and will face a tough challenge when they welcome the German champions on the eve of Valentine’s.
Bayern Munich’s impressive form this season under Thomas Tuchel and the new prolific English Striker Harry Kane gives them the edge over Lazio. The Italians are well known for their defensive powers and attack led by Ciro Immobile and ex-Chelsea and Barcelona striker Pedro. Lazio are not to be underestimated, as they possess a strong defense and have displayed moments of brilliance throughout the season. This game promises an exciting battle between two formidable sides vying for progression in Europe’s elite club competition.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Sociedad (Wednesday, 14th February, 20:00)
Paris Saint-Germain takes on Real Sociedad at the Parc des Princes. As two dominant forces in their respective leagues, this encounter will showcase the exceptional footballing prowess possessed by both teams. PSG still hopes of winning the UCL for the first time in history. They have consistently participated in the competition year after year, but the French giants haven’t succeeded. It’s probably Wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe’s last outing with the club, and a fairy tale ending won’t be a bad idea.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad have demonstrated their ability to compete against formidable rivals through tactical brilliance and defense. This clash will undoubtedly serve as an opportunity for both teams to test their mettle against high-caliber opponents.
Inter Milan vs. Atletico Madrid (Tuesday, 20th February, 20:00)
Inter Milan locks horns with Atletico Madrid in a fixture that could define the tactical supremacy between Simone Inzaghi and Diego Simeone. Both teams are known for their attacks and defensive excellence, making this clash a potential spectacle that the entire Europe anticipates.
As two powerhouses collide, their strategic battle will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Inter Milan enters the game dominating Serie A, with talents such as Captain Lautaro Martinez and Thauram upfront. Both teams have the best midfield lines in Europe this season.
Atletico Madrid has immense experience in European competitions, with Alvaro Morata and Griezmann leading the frontline. With both teams hungry for victory, expect every minute detail to contribute to determining the outcome of this exciting encounter.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Borussia Dortmund (Tuesday, 20th February, 20:00)
Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven welcomes Borussia Dortmund in the Philips Stadium for a Tuesday night UCL Round of 16 showdown. The game promises end-to-end action, with both teams huge on attacking style of play and youth development system. This fixture could end up being a goal-fest.
PSV Eindhoven will undoubtedly rely on their home advantage to push for a positive result against Borussia Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund have a better history in the Competition and would strive to reach their previous peak. As both teams possess potent firepower upfront and a commitment to attacking football, this fixture is poised to be a captivating spectacle.
FC Porto vs. Arsenal (Wednesday, 21st February, 20:00)
Portuguese side FC Porto takes on Micheal Arteta’s Arsenal in the Estádio do Dragão. Both teams are doing exceptionally well in their Leagues. FC Porto, the 30-time Portuguese League winners, have a pool of talented players and the determination to take on any team. Sérgio Conceição’s team would face the ‘tests of resilience’ in this Round of 16 fixture.
The Gunners have failed to appear in the Champions League for some time and are finally back to the Knockout stages. Micheal Arteta’s team would face the test of a formidable Portuguese side who are just as hungry for success as they are.
Napoli vs. Barcelona (Wednesday, 21st February, 20:00)
FC Barcelona travels to Napals to face the Italian Champions at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Both teams have immense talent and have a history of playing entertaining football. Despite having a home advantage, Napoli must be cautious of Barcelona’s ability to dominate possession and control the game.
Napoli will exploit any vulnerabilities in the Barcelona defense while maintaining their defensive solidity. Xavi’s Barcelona is big on attacking football, with Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Joao Felix leading the frontline. Fans can expect a showcase of skill as these two clubs clash.
Get Champions League Tickets
Ensure you mark your calendar, as the upcoming weeks will be electrifying. Be Live at the Action by reserving your seats promptly! Get Champions League Final Tickets while they are still available. Official websites are “Sold Out” due to high demand for these tickets, and secondary marketplaces remain your Go-to spot for securing a place for you and your loved ones in the games you love.
As we eagerly await the 1st Leg of the UCL Round of 16, fans await witnessing elite football at its finest. These formidable teams have undoubtedly thrown in their possible best for a rightful place in the Knockout stages and would fight for a place in the next round.
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