Real Madrid will play Liverpool, again in the round of 16 Champions League, Bayern Munich will also play Paris Saint-Germain in the draws made Monday.
Liverpool have lost two finals to Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022, the clash presents an opportunity for Liverpool to have their pound of flesh. Bayern beat PSG in 2020 to become European champion for the sixth time.
For defending champion Madrid, having a difficult path to the title is nothing new. The Spanish team’s remarkable run last season saw it knock out PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool to lift the trophy.
The last-16 first legs will take place on 14-15 and 21-22 February, with the second legs on 7-8 and 14-15 March.
Full last-16 draw:
RB Leipzig v Manchester City
Club Bruges v Benfica
Liverpool v Real Madrid
AC Milan v Tottenham
Frankfurt v Napoli
Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea
Inter Milan v Porto
Paris St-Germain v Bayern Munich
Europa League: Man United draw tough luck, says Xavi
Barcelona boss Xavi says his side have been handed the ‘most difficult opponent’ after they were drawn against Manchester United in the Europa League play-offs.
The Catalans will take on Erik ten Hag’s side in February for a spot in the last-16 of the competition after they finished third in their Champions League group stage.
The Spanairds finished behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in their group, which was by far the toughest in the group stages.
And Xavi says his side have had ‘no luck’ once again with their Europa League draw as they’ve been paired with the toughest side remaining in the competition.
‘It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it,’ said Ten Hag.
‘They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with Ten Hag, they have great players. It’s the worst draw we could have got. Once again. No luck.’
The Red Devils last took on Barcelona in 2019 in the last-16 of the Champions League, when the Spaniards ran out 4-0 aggregate winners.
Barcelona beat United in two finals in 2009 and 2011, though United knocked out the Spaniards on the way to Champions League glory in 2008.
