Reaction to the best matchups in the Champions League Round of 16

The Champions League returns in mid-February and after the draw, we now know which teams will face each other in the Round of 16. Of the matchups, the ones that stand out most are a rematch of Liverpool vs Real Madrid and a matchup of two soccer giants, Bayern Munich vs PSG. The fixtures between AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea will also provide an even and exciting matchup.

Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint Germain reactions

In the 2020 final, Bayern beat PSG in Lisbon and now PSG, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar at the forefront, has a chance at redemption.

bIt’s a great match for both clubs, I think,” said Bayern Munich Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidžić. “Both are very good teams with a lot of international players.”

“Paris, for us, are an unbelievably strong opponent with Messi, Mbappé, Neymar, players who are unbelievably good. So it will be, I think, two matches for fans,” said Salihamidžić.

“It’s very motivating,” said PSG Sporting Advisor Luis Campos. “I know that everyone will be at 100 percent. We feel that we have a very positive PSG side this year, we are playing well. I am very confident even knowing that we are facing an extraordinary opponent.”

Liverpool vs Real Madrid reactions

Since Liverpool didn’t manage to finish the top of their group, they were subject to face the tougher teams, and that they shall. Defending champions Real Madrid will be one of the toughest opponents in the tournament.

“I think that for the world of soccer, it will be an exciting fixture because of the history of the two clubs,” said Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño. “Also because of the venues where the games will be held, both Anfield and the Bernabéu, and because of the quality of the players who are going to be on the field.”

“They are a very strong rival, who have had a lot of responsibility in recent years with the same coach, with the same group of players, and that makes them very dangerous,” said Butragueño. “At the same time, we are the champions, and we will naturally do everything possible to qualify and return here to the draw for the quarter finals.”

Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea reactions

It will be an even matchup between Dortmund and Chelsea, as both teams have been struggling to be consistent this season, but both teams have top tier talent.

“We’re actually looking forward to playing Dortmund because this will be the first time that we’ve come across them in the Champions League,” said David Barnard, Chelsea’s Director of Football Operations. “So it will be interesting from that point of view. They played in the same group as Manchester City as you know, and hopefully we’ll get some inside knowledge from Man City on this particular one.”

“At least [Erling] Haaland is not playing for Dortmund on this occasion,” Barnard laughed. “We’ve obviously got [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] going back to one of his old clubs. So, we are looking forward to it.”

Tottenham Hotspur vs AC Milan reactions

This should be another close matchup as both teams have been inconsistent in the tournament, but have a lot of talent on the roster.

“I don’t want to say I’m happy because we know there are a lot of good teams left in the tournament,” said former Tottenham player Ledley King. “But it’s a big game, a big fixture. AC Milan are a fantastic team with a lot of history, so it’s going to be an exciting game.”

“I think [Antonio Conte] will know them very well, of course, but he’s obviously not playing in the game,” said King. “The players will have to go out there and of course the manager will prepare them as well as he can, but it’s the players who will have to go out there and follow the instructions and follow the orders against a difficult team.”