UEFA Champions League: Who could each team face in the Round of 16?
As the group stages are wrapped up, everyone’s eyes will now be on the second draw of the tournament, which will determine the fixtures for the knock-out stages of this year’s campaign. We take a look at who your favourite team could possibly be drawn against, with the toughest possible opponent and the potential banana skins.
Best case scenario is given in Blue.
Worst case scenario in Red
Manchester United
The champions could sail through the knock-out stages as they would back themselves to beat Galatasaray, Olympiacos and Zenit without too much pain. German outfit Schalke could be a tricky fixture as they could give anyone a run for their money. The biggest hurdle could be the Italian giants AC Milan despite their indifferent form in the competition so far.
Manchester City
The English giants finished second in their group behind Bayern Munich, despite beating the German team in the last game of the group stage. They could face some of the best teams in the competition namely Real Madrid, PSG, Dortmund and Barcelona. It’s safe to say they would take a draw against Atletico Madrid any day of the week.
Arsenal
The Gunners limped into the last 16 of the competition, and could finish only second. Like Manchester City, they too could face the same opponents, except Borussia Dortmund. Current champions, Bayern Munich could be their toughest draw, with Real Madrid and Barcelona close behind.
Chelsea
The Blues finished top of their table, after a rocky start. They have made their work easier, as they could face teams like Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos and Zenit which Chelsea could beat on their day. AC Milan could be their only potential nightmare.
Bayern Munich
The defending champions are in pole position to progress through the knock-out stages as they could be drawn against teams like Olymipacos and Zenit. However, AC Milan and Arsenal might have something to say about that, if they are drawn against the German giants.
Borussia Dortmund
Runners up last year, the German outfit could face the likes of Zenit and Galatasaray. Their toughest opponents will be hotshot Manchester City and AC Milan who have a great record in this competition.
Real Madrid
The high-flying Spanish giants might not have the easy sailing draw they might be after. They could potentially face AC Milan, Arsenal or Manchester City who are among the big wigs in the competition. Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos and Zenit might be comparatively easier prospects for the Galacticos.
Barcelona
The Catalans finished the group stages with a thumping 6-1 victory. They would feel supremely confident at this point in time and would not mind facing anyone in this form. However, they would not want to be pitted against Manchester City or Arsenal, who could be massive hurdles.
The draw will take place on December 16, and is sure to produce its fair share of agony, elation and surprises.