The anticipation for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has peaked as the draw has unveiled thrilling matchups for the 2023/24 season. The draw, which took place at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, has set the stage for intense battles between some of Europe’s top football clubs.
Arsenal, who claimed the top spot in Group B, is set to face Porto, the runners-up from Group H, in a clash that promises fireworks. Another standout fixture features Napoli, led by Victor Osimhen, squaring off against FC Barcelona, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Round of 16.
The draw also presented captivating matchups, including Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich facing Lazio, and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid, the record 14-time winners, taking on RB Leipzig. Atletico Madrid, last season’s runners-up, will face Inter Milan, while Paris Saint-Germain is set to play against Real Sociedad. Borussia Dortmund will lock horns with PSV Eindhoven.
The Round of 16 is scheduled to unfold over four weeks, starting in February 2024. The first legs are slated for February 13, 14, 20, and 21, with the return matches scheduled for March 5, 6, 12, and 13.
Champions League Full Draw:
- Porto vs Arsenal
- Napoli vs Barcelona
- PSG vs Real Sociedad
- Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid
- PSV vs Dortmund
- Lazio vs Bayern
- Copenhagen vs Manchester City
- RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid
The knockout stage promises high-stakes encounters, with away goals no longer counting in the Champions League. Ties level at the end of normal time in the second leg will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
UCL Round of 16 Games Schedule:
- First legs: February 13, 14, 20, or 21
- Second legs: March 5, 6, 12, or 13
The quarterfinals are scheduled for April, with the semifinals commencing on the final day of the month and concluding in May. The grand finale of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season will take place at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.
This marks the eighth time the venue has hosted the climax of European football’s premier club competition and the third time in the UEFA Champions League era, following the finals in 2011 and 2013.
