CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Who USMNT stars face in UEFA Champions League round of 16 and Europa League playoff
We now know the names of the teams that will be pitted against each other in UEFA’s top two club competition knockout, as US interest continues.
The group stage of the UEFA Champions League concluded with some surprises and the expected qualification of certain teams due to their prowess, often influenced by spending power. Among those advancing to the round of 16, several talents from the United States men’s national team have made their mark and will continue to get attention come next year.
Pulisic Europa, Reyna Champions
Undoubtedly, the most tightly contested group was F, the so called ‘Group of Death’, as the outcome was determined only at the final whistle of both final matches. Unfortunately, Christian Pulisic and Musah did not secure a spot to continue their pursuit of the Champions League trophy; nevertheless, a late win allows them the chance to conquer the Europa League, UEFA’s second competition. In that, the Milan duo will need to get passed French club Rennes, who they were drawn against in the knockout round playoff, if they want to take their place in the round of 16, where the likes of Liverpool, Rangers and West Ham await.
Borussia Dortmund, for their part, led by Gio Reyna, competed in the same group as the Italians and had already secured qualification with a game to spare. A draw against Kylian Mbappé's PSG in the final group game meant they advance to the round of 16 as group leaders. In the draw for the round of 16, the Germans were pitted against PSV.
USMNT stars into the UCL round of 16
At just 21 years old, Giovanni Reyna is certainly one of the young stars that the United States national team can look forward to enjoying for years to come.
A special mention also goes out to PSV, who boast three outstanding players from the US in its ranks: 21-year-old Malik Tillman, 23-year-old Sergiño Dest, and 20-year-old Ricardo Pepi. They secured a place as the second team in Group B, only behind Arsenal, eliminating Lens and Sevilla from further contention.
What a coincidence that both these teams were drawn against each other, with the games set for early 2024.