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Nyon, Switzerland – February 21, 2025 – The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is set, with thrilling matchups lined up as clubs chase European glory. The much-anticipated last-16 draw has delivered some blockbuster ties, including Liverpool vs. PSG, Arsenal vs. PSV, and a Madrid derby featuring Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid.
Champions League Knockout Stage Draw in Full
Last 16:
- Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
- Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
- Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
- PSV vs. Arsenal
- Feyenoord vs. Inter
- PSG vs. Liverpool
- Benfica vs. Barcelona
Quarter-finals:
- PSG/Liverpool vs. Club Brugge/Aston Villa
- PSV/Arsenal vs. Real Madrid/Atletico Madrid
- Feyenoord/Inter vs. Bayern Munich/Bayer Leverkusen
- Borussia Dortmund/Lille vs. Benfica/Barcelona
Semi-finals:
- Winners of quarter-final 2 vs. winners of quarter-final 1
- Winners of quarter-final 3 vs. winners of quarter-final 4
The Bigger Picture
Liverpool, currently topping both the Premier League and their Champions League league stage, face a tough challenge against Paris Saint-Germain as they aim for a seventh European Cup. Their domestic rivals, Arsenal, must get past PSV to remain in contention for major honors.
Defending champions Real Madrid, fresh off a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick against Manchester City, will meet cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in a fiery derby. Meanwhile, Barcelona are set for an exciting encounter against Benfica.
Did You Know?
- Club Brugge made history as the first Belgian side to win a Champions League knockout game, eliminating Atalanta. Their reward? A clash with Aston Villa, whom they faced in the league stage.
- Bayern Munich will go head-to-head with familiar Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.
- Borussia Dortmund will take on Lille, while Inter, the only Serie A team remaining, meets Feyenoord, the side that dashed AC Milan’s hopes in the playoffs.
Tell Me More
Liverpool could meet Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, while Arsenal may face Real Madrid if both teams advance. On the other side of the bracket, a potential Dortmund vs. Barcelona and a Bayern Munich vs. Inter showdown loom large.
When Will the Last-16 Matches Take Place?
The first legs of the Round of 16 will be played on March 4 and 5, with the return fixtures set for March 11 and 12. The Champions League final will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025.
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