Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid Champions League Draw
Champions League Draw: Spanish Giants’ Paths Revealed
The Champions League draw has been completed, setting the stage for some thrilling matchups in the upcoming rounds. The three powerhouses of Spanish football – Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid – now know their opponents and the road they must navigate to reach the final.
Barcelona to Face Benfica in Round of 16
Barcelona, after securing a bye due to their second-place finish in the league phase, will square off against Benfica in the Round of 16. The Catalan giants will host the second leg at Montjuic as the higher-seeded side. This matchup comes after a dramatic 5-4 victory for Barcelona when they faced Benfica in January at the da Luz stadium.
Real Madrid Set for Intriguing Derby Against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid is slated to clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated showdown. The two teams will face off in the Round of 16, renewing their rivalry in Europe for the first time since their memorable meeting in the 2016 Champions League final in Milan. Real Madrid will have to navigate the absence of Jude Bellingham in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Key Dates and Venues for Round of 16 Matches
The first legs of the Round of 16 matches are scheduled to take place on the 4th and 5th of March at the Estadio da Luz and Santiago Bernabeu, respectively. The return legs will follow on the 11th and 12th of March at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and Metropolitano, providing fans with back-to-back thrilling encounters.
Potential Quarter-Final Opponents for Spanish Teams
The winners of the Madrid derby will face either PSV Eindhoven or Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with the second leg held in the Spanish capital. Barcelona, if they advance past Benfica, will encounter either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals. The stage is set for intense battles and high-stakes matchups as the competition progresses.
Road to the Final: Possible Semi-Final Opponents
If Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid advance to the semi-finals, they could potentially face Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, or Aston Villa. Barcelona, on the other hand, could come up against Inter, Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, or Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final stage, highlighting the tough competition that lies ahead.
Upcoming Fixtures for Spanish Clubs
Before the first leg of the Madrid derby, Real Madrid will face Real Betis, followed by Rayo Vallecano, and Villarreal. Atletico Madrid’s schedule includes matches against Athletic Club, Getafe, and Barcelona, while Barcelona will take on Real Sociedad before their clash with Benfica, followed by Osasuna before visiting the Metropolitano.
