Champions League draw offers Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético two very different paths
European heavyweights could await in the round of 16, though a more favorable draw remains on the table for Spain’s contenders.
There is plenty of Champions League buzz ahead of Friday’s draw for the round of 16. The stage is set for the next chapter of the knockout rounds, where the top eight teams from the league phase join the eight survivors of the playoff round. It is the moment when Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid discover their opponents.
The draw will determine each club’s path in this season’s tournament. There are only two possible rivals for each team, based on where they finished in the league phase. Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP. Barcelona could draw Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will meet either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
Only Barcelona will play the second leg at home. Both Madrid and Atlético will host the first leg and then travel for the return match after coming through the playoff round, a factor that could make their ties even tougher.
Guardiola reunion looms for Real Madrid
A matchup with Manchester City would immediately grab global attention. Madrid has faced Pep Guardiola’s team in each of the past four seasons. This campaign, City won at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier in the tournament. In previous editions, however, Madrid came out on top twice in three knockout battles between two of Europe’s most powerful clubs.
Sporting CP may not carry the same global reputation, but it would still be a tricky opponent for Madrid. The Portuguese champion was one of the surprises of the league phase, finishing in the top eight. Sporting is also battling for another domestic title while chasing league leader FC Porto. Compared with Benfica, which already gave Madrid problems earlier this season, Sporting arguably looks stronger in several areas.
Barcelona wary of Luis Enrique’s PSG
Another storyline could see Barcelona reunite with former coach Luis Enrique if the draw pairs them with PSG. The French champion struggled in the league phase and missed out on a top-eight finish, then had to work hard in the playoff against AS Monaco despite playing the second leg at home.
Injuries have not helped the Paris side. Ousmane Dembélé has been dealing with fitness issues, and midfielder Fabián Ruiz is also sidelined.
Still, PSG’s attacking firepower makes it a dangerous opponent. A year ago, the club survived multiple elimination scares before lifting its first Champions League trophy.
Barcelona would likely prefer a matchup with Newcastle, although the English club features elite talent such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. The biggest advantage for Barcelona is clear. It would have the chance to finish the tie at home at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Atlético faces contrasting Premier League tests
Two English teams stand between Atlético and the quarterfinals, but the contrast is significant. Liverpool continues to grow stronger and remains one of the favorites in Europe after winning the Premier League last season. Tottenham, by comparison, is enduring a difficult season that makes it a more appealing draw for Atlético.
Either way, Diego Simeone’s team will need to close out the tie on English soil if it hopes to advance.
Beyond the round-of-16 draw, the full knockout bracket will also take shape, outlining the road to the final in Budapest on May 30. The round of 16 will be played March 10-11 and March 17-18.
For Spain’s three representatives, the objective is simple. Avoid the toughest possible matchups with Manchester City, PSG and Liverpool if possible.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.