Champions League Last 16 Draw: Who Could Real Madrid, Atlético and Barça Face?
The Champions League last 16 draw is here. Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona all find out their round of 16 opponents — here's what we know.
The business end of the Champions League is upon us, and Spain’s big three are about to find out exactly who stands between them and Budapest.
The draw, in a nutshell
The last 16 draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday 27 February at midday (Spanish time). Crucially, this isn’t just a round-of-16 draw — the full bracket all the way through to the final gets mapped out today, so clubs will know their potential path to the 30 May final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid have already been placed in opposite halves of the draw, meaning a Madrid derby final is theoretically on the cards. Barcelona’s half is still to be confirmed.
Real Madrid — Guardiola’s City lurking
Los Blancos came through their playoff tie against Benfica, albeit in a two-legged affair shaped heavily by the suspension of Prestianni. Now they await either:
- Manchester City — Pep Guardiola’s side, who Madrid met in last season’s playoff round
- Sporting CP — currently second in the Primeira Liga and no mugs
City would obviously be the tie everyone’s talking about. A potential Guardiola vs Madrid reunion in the last 16? Proper must-watch telly.
Atlético de Madrid — English opposition incoming
Diego Simeone’s side did the business against Club Brugge, though the Belgians made it uncomfortable over in Belgium. Job done, though, and Atleti’s focus now shifts to a draw that could hand them a proper English test:
- Liverpool — the team everyone in the pot will be desperate to avoid
- Tottenham — resurgent under Postecoglou and not to be taken lightly
Either way, Atleti are facing English opponents. Given they’re also pushing hard in the Copa del Rey, the fixture pile-up in March is going to be tasty.
Barcelona — PSG or Newcastle?
Barça had the luxury of going straight through as one of the top eight from the league phase, so they’ve had a nice rest while others were scrapping through playoffs. Their potential opponents:
- PSG — always a glamour tie, and a proper test of Hansi Flick’s side
- Newcastle — who Barça actually faced earlier in the competition
Neither is a gimme, but if you’re a Blaugrana fan you’re probably fancying your chances against both.
Key dates to stick in the diary
- Round of 16 first legs: 10–11 March
- Round of 16 second legs: 17–18 March
- Champions League final: 30 May, Puskás Aréna, Budapest
The draw is the easy bit — now the real work starts.