UEFA Champions League Round of 16

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is here, and football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating some of the most exciting matchups of the season. The knockout stage brings together Europe’s elite clubs, each vying for a spot in the quarterfinals and a step closer to lifting the prestigious trophy. In this article, we’ll break down the fixtures, analyze key matchups, and provide predictions for what promises to be an unforgettable round of football.

What is the UEFA Champions League Round of 16?

The Round of 16 is the first knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League. After the group stage, the top two teams from each of the eight groups advance to this stage. The draw pairs the group winners against the runners-up, with the restriction that teams from the same group or association cannot face each other. The ties are played over two legs (home and away), with the aggregate score determining which team advances to the quarterfinals.

The UEFA Champions League round of 16, quarterfinal and semifinal draws took place on Friday as Europe’s leading soccer competition takes its final form for this season. The top eight teams from the league phase led by Liverpool and Barcelona qualified automatically for the round of 16 while eight teams have emerged from the knockout round playoffs which are part of this year’s new format. The tournament is now in bracket format from the knockout round playoffs with round of 16, quarterfinal and semifinal draws predefined via a pairings system determined by the teams’ final league positions.

Champions League round of 16 matchups

Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge
Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich
Arsenal vs. PSV
Inter vs. Feyenoord
Liverpool vs. PSG
Barcelona vs. Benfica

Bracket

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw for the 2024–25 season took place on February 21, 2025, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland,uefa.comThis stage of the competition features some thrilling matchups as Europe’s top clubs compete for a place in the quarter-finals.

Round of 16 Fixtures:

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool: A highly anticipated clash between the French champions and the English giants.
Benfica vs. Barcelona: A matchup that promises exciting football as the Portuguese side takes on the Catalan club.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Arsenal: The Dutch team faces the Premier League contenders in a battle for progression.
Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan: A contest between the Dutch champions and the Italian heavyweights.
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: A Madrid derby that adds extra spice to the Round of 16.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: An all-German affair as the Bavarians take on Leverkusen.
Borussia Dortmund vs. LOSC Lille: The German side faces the French club in this knockout stage.
Club Brugge vs. Manchester City: The Belgian champions go head-to-head with the English titleholders.

Notable Storylines:

Madrid Derby: The draw has set up a thrilling Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, ensuring that at least one Spanish giant will exit the competition at this stage.
All-German Clash: Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will battle it out in an all-Bundesliga tie, highlighting the strength of German football.
Premier League Representation: Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City represent the English Premier League, each facing unique challenges in their respective ties.

The first-leg matches are scheduled for March 4 and 5, 2025, with the return legs set for March 11 and 12, 2025. Fans worldwide eagerly await these fixtures, anticipating high-quality football and memorable moments as teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.

First legs

Tuesday 4 March
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
PSV vs Arsenal
Real Madrid vs Atleti

Wednesday 5 March
Feyenoord vs Inter
Bayern München vs Leverkusen
Benfica vs Barcelona
Paris vs Liverpool

How to Watch

Don’t miss any of the action! Tune in to sportsraces.live for live updates, match previews, and expert analysis throughout the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Final thoughts

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 promises to deliver thrilling football, unforgettable moments, and plenty of drama. With Europe’s best teams and players on display, this stage of the competition is a must-watch for any football fan.

Who do you think will advance to the quarterfinals? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football fans!