The highly anticipated draw for the last 16 of the Champions League has paired defending champions Manchester City against FC Copenhagen, while current Premier League leaders Arsenal are set to take on Portuguese side Porto in the first knockout round of the competition.
The fixtures, with the first legs scheduled for February 2024, were officially announced following the draw at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.
In last season’s tournament, City faced Copenhagen in the early stages, claiming a 5-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium and playing to a goalless draw in Denmark. Porto secured their place in the last 16 as runners-up to Barcelona in Group H.
The draw also saw Spanish champions Barcelona being paired against Serie A winners Napoli, while Real Madrid, the 14-time tournament winners, are set to take on Leipzig. Their city rivals Atlético Madrid must also face a challenging encounter against Inter.
In addition, Paris St Germain are set to clash with Spanish side Real Sociedad, while German teams Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will face Lazio and PSV respectively.
The upcoming ties promise to showcase the best of European football, with teams vying for glory and fans eagerly awaiting to see which sides will emerge victorious. As the tournament progresses, the intensity is sure to mount and the drama will certainly unfold in grand fashion.
As the competition heats up, many will be keeping a close eye on these matches, anticipating the suspense and excitement that only the Champions League can provide. Indeed, the last 16 promises to deliver enthralling matches and unforgettable moments, as the quest for European glory continues.