Champions League
Excitement Builds As UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Draw Looms
The UEFA Champions League is narrowing down, leaving only 16 teams standing after intense clashes in the group stages. The journey so far has been thrilling, but the real test lies ahead in the knockout rounds.
In a surprising turn, Manchester United found themselves at the bottom of Group A, bidding farewell not just to the Champions League but also missing out on the Europa League.
Newcastle, from the Premier League as well, faced a similar fate, finishing last in a formidable group, while AC Milan secured third place, securing a slot in Europa’s next phase.
Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain narrowly navigated Group F to advance.
The reigning champions, Manchester City, cruised through Group G effortlessly, dominating with six wins and facing no significant challenges.
Now, all eyes are on the upcoming round of 16 draw, an event known for its unpredictability and excitement. Here’s what you need to mark on your calendar for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League:
Sportxparte reports that the draw for the last 16 will take place on Monday, December 18. It will begin at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT.
Below are the 16 teams remaining in alphabetical order:
- Arsenal (Premier League) – Group A winner
- Atlético de Madrid (La Liga) – Group E winner
- Barcelona (La Liga) – Group H winner
- Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) – Group A winner
- Copenhagen (Superliga) – Group A runner-up
- Dortmund (Bundesliga) – Group F winner
- Inter (Serie A) – Group D runner-up
- Lazio (Serie A) – Group E runner-up
- Leipzig (Bundesliga) – Group G runner-up
- Manchester City (Premier League) – Group G winner
- Napoli (Serie A) – Group C runner-up
- Paris (Ligue 1) – Group F runner-up
- Porto (Liga Portugal) – Group H runner-up
- PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie) – Group A runner-up
- Real Madrid (La Liga) – Group C winner
- Real Sociedad (La Liga) – Group D winner
Format: Seeded teams can only draw unseeded teams, with exceptions for teams from the same league or group.
Looking ahead, the round of 16 will unfold across four weeks in 2024. The first legs are scheduled for February 13, 14, 20, and 21, followed by the second legs on March 5, 6, 12, and 13.
Finally, mark your calendars for the grand finale at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. With Wembley’s rich history of hosting seven European Cup finals, the anticipation for this ultimate showdown is palpable.
