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SPORTS - Mix-Up Sees New Champions League Last 16





Switzerland Dec 14 2021

It was a mixed bag of results for the four English Premier League representatives in the Champions League when the round of 16 draw was conducted twice last night.

The European football governing body UEFA had to conduct the draw twice after an initial “technical mix-up” left Atletico Madrid screaming foul and lodging an official complaint citing unfairness.

During the first draw that was later declared void, the software system utilised for the ceremony somehow included Manchester United as a potential opponent for Villarreal.

The two sides had played each other in the group stage and should be kept apart in the last 16.

When the mistake was pointed out, United’s name was withdrawn. The real blunder happened when United were not reinstated for the next draw to pick the opponents for Atletico.

Bayern Munich’s name was drawn to face Atletico, but the Spaniards cried foul because they were deprived of the chance of playing United, and let’s face it, nobody fancies taking on Bayern so early in the competition.

So, the draw was re-done, and Atletico got their wish when they snagged the Red Devils.

It is a big let-off for United as they were initially drawn to meet Paris Saint Germain, the toughest opponents among the eight group runners-up.

A United-PSG clash would have seen a showdown between the two legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following the redraw, Ralf Rangnick’s team now have a winnable but still tricky tie against the Spanish champions, who have been blowing hot and cold this season.

PSG, meanwhile, have been handed a tough encounter against the current La Liga leaders Real Madrid. 



                                    The Last 16 Fixtures

Among the four English sides, Liverpool were handed the toughest opponents when they were given Inter Milan in the redraw.

The reigning Italian champions, who are leading the Serie A after nine unbeaten matches, will be a tough nut to crack. 

However, the Reds can take heart that they have already beaten Inter’s crosstown rivals, AC Milan, both home and away in the group stage this season.

Liverpool were initially drawn against the Champions League knockout stage debutants RB Salzburg.

It will be a case of out of the pan and into the fire for the Austrian outfit Salzburg, as they will now face Bayern following the redraw.

Defending champions Chelsea received the best luck among the English sides when they were drawn to face French champions Lille, arguably the weakest among the eight group winners, in both the first and second time of the draw.

The English champions Manchester City, who are still seeking their first European crown after losing last season’s final to Chelsea, will play the Portuguese champs Sporting Lisbon.

The Champions League round 16 first leg ties will be played from February 16, 2022.

The last 16 fixtures:

PSG vs Real Madrid

Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City

RB Salzburg vs Bayern Munich

Inter Milan vs Liverpool

Chelsea vs Lille

Villarreal vs Juventus

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United

Benfica vs Ajax Amsterdam




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