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the mistake was pointed out, United’s name was withdrawn.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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