Exciting Match-ups as Real Faces Atlético, Liverpool Clashes with PSG
NYON (SWITZERLAND), February 21, 2025 – The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 features two thrilling matchups: Real Madrid will take on Atlético Madrid, while Bayern Munich faces Bayer Leverkusen, following the draw held on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.
In another exciting encounter, Premier League leaders Liverpool will clash with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Defending champions Real Madrid secured their spot in the knockout stage through qualifying playoffs, just as Bayern Munich did, while Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen qualified directly for this final phase.
These matchups bring together several natural title contenders. Real Madrid, who have claimed Europe’s most prestigious club competition a record fifteen times, will be spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, who netted four goals across the two-legged tie against Manchester City during the playoffs (winning 3-2 and 3-1).
Atlético Madrid showed strong form in the group stage and currently sits third in La Liga, just one point behind their city rivals in second place.
European powerhouse Bayern Munich is experiencing a more uncertain season; the Bavarian club had to navigate through the playoffs, where they narrowly eliminated Celtic Glasgow (winning 2-1 and drawing 1-1 at home). In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen upheld its status as Bundesliga champions, finishing sixth in the league phase.
Round of 16 Match Schedule:
– PSG (FRA) vs. Liverpool (ENG)
– Club Brugge (BEL) vs. Aston Villa (ENG)
– Real Madrid (ESP) vs. Atlético Madrid (ESP)
– Bayern Munich (GER) vs. Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
– Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs. Lille (FRA)
– Benfica (POR) vs. FC Barcelona (ESP)
– PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs. Arsenal (ENG)
– Feyenoord (NED) vs. Inter Milan (ITA)
The first legs are scheduled for March 4 and 5, 2025, while the return legs will occur on March 11 and 12.
Quarter-Finals:
– Match 1: PSG or Liverpool vs. Club Brugge or Aston Villa
– Match 2: PSV Eindhoven or Arsenal vs. Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid
– Match 3: Benfica or FC Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund or Lille
– Match 4: Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen vs. Feyenoord or Inter Milan
Semi-Finals:
– Winner of Quarter-Final 2 vs. Winner of Quarter-Final 1
– Winner of Quarter-Final 3 vs. Winner of Quarter-Final 4. (APS)
