The draw for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League was made this morning. Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, whilst holders Liverpool have been drawn against Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea will return to where they won their first and only Champions League in 2012 as they face Bayern Munich, whilst Tottenham Hotspur will play RB Leipzig.
The first leg of the round of 16 will be played 18–19 and the 25–26 February 2020, with the second leg being played on the 10–11 and 17–18 March 2020.
Other draws include Borussia Dortmund vs Paris Saint Germain and Napoli vs Barcelona.
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Key Battles
We’ve selected the key battle in each of the English club’s last 16 ties.
Real Madrid v Man City
Casemiro vs Kevin De Bruyne
This midfield clash could decide how much attacking influence Manchester City have on the game. If Casemiro can keep De Bruyne, who is the heart and soul of Manchester City’s attack, out of the game, then it gives a chance for Real Madrid to focus on their own attacking prowess.
Atletico v Liverpool
Keiran Trippier v Sadio Mane
Liverpool rely much less heavily on Mo Salah now, and that is partly due to the form of Sadio Mane in the past 12 months. His rapid pace and deadly finishing has helped him to 11 goals and six assists in all competitions. Trippier is a big attacking threat for Atletico too, so if the Englishman is too busy dealing with Mane, Atletico stand less of a chance in attack.
Chelsea v Bayern
Jorginho vs Joshua Kimmich
Jorginho is the player that makes Chelsea tick, and if Kimmich can prevent him from playing his game then Bayern are likely to dominate the ball and run at Chelsea’s nervy defence. Kimmich will look to set the ball to Philippe Coutinho who joins Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry in a dangerous attack.
Tottenham v RB Leipzig
Jan Vertonghen v Timo Werner
Werner has been Leipzig’s main man since their rise to prominence in 2017. He’s scored over 70 goals for the club and has continued this form into this season, scoring 16 in 15 Bundesliga games, and three in the Champions League. Jan Vertonghen and his defence will need to be on top form to prevent the German from causing damage. But being coached a defensive expert in Jose Mourinho goes a long way.
Last-16 draw in full
Borussia Dortmund v Paris St-Germain
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Atalanta v Valencia
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Juventus
Tottenham v RB Leipzig
Napoli v Barcelona
The final will place in Istanbul on May 30 2020.
For all of the Champions League reaction, click HERE for our live blog.
