The new Champions League brought something new to the round of 16, although that phase was also played in the previous competition system.
For the first time in this knockout round, teams from the same country will meet. The new rule brought two treats at yesterday's draw in Nyon - the Madrid derby Real - Atletico, never so close in the knockout phase (they played in the Champions League final twice, once in the quarter-finals), and the German derby Bayern - Bayer.
- I will answer just one question about Real. We have a great rival. We will have a great game and we are ready - said Atletico coach Diego Simeone at a press conference yesterday.
Real and Atletico met in the finals in 2014 and 2016 - Real won both times, in extra time and then on penalties. They met again in 2017 in the quarter-finals, with Real advancing again.
And the Germans...
"We know we have the quality to beat Bayern, and I think Bayern knows that too," said Simon Rolfs, Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director.
- But we still have great respect for Bayern, because they are a top team - he added.
A derby, but not a city derby, not between teams from the same country, is the clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. The “Reds” were on top, the “Saints” barely made it into the top 24 and advanced, having to go to the playoffs, but that doesn't mean that Arne Slot's team is the absolute favorite.
Barcelona did well in the draw, not only because they drew Benfica in the round of 16, but also because they would face the winner of the Borussia Dortmund - Lille duel in the eventual quarter-finals.
- I think it will be a tough game. They are doing very well and we have already seen that they have caused us damage - said Hansi Flick, alluding to the recent, fiery duel between the two teams in the league stage at the "La Luz" stadium, which ended with Barca winning 5:4 after a major turnaround.
Of the two Dutch teams, Inter went for Feyenoord, while Arsenal went for PSV Eindhoven. The Nerazzurri went to the half of the draw where Bayern and Barcelona were, while the Gunners went to the half with Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG.
- It will be difficult, they knocked out Juventus. We played against them too, we experienced what it's like. There are no bad opponents. We will be ready when the time comes - said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
Former European champions Aston Villa, who last played in the knockout stages in 1983, drew Club Brugge.
The first legs of the round of 4 will be played on May 5th and XNUMXth, with the return legs a week later.
Bonus video:
