Photo by Joe Toth/ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
It’s deja-vu all over again for Arsenal.
For the second consecutive year, Arsenal have been paired with German powerhouse Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, after UEFA completed their Champions League knockout round draw this morning at their headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. It’s another tough blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, as they could have secured the top spot in Group F had they been able to hold on for a draw or win last Wednesday at Napoli.
Bayern emphatically defeated Arsenal last season at the Emirates Stadium, 3-1, and though Arsenal played inspired at the Allianz Arena, the eventual Champions League winners advanced on away goals.
Meanwhile, in the north of England, Manchester City will rue their decision to not bring on Sergio Aguero during their 3-2 victory against Bayern Munich last Tuesday because by settling for the one-goal win and second-place in Group D, Man City has been drawn with FC Barcelona in the round of 16. Other match-ups to keep an eye on include Chelsea vs. Galatasaray, with a return to Stamford Bridge of Didier Drogba, and FC Schalke vs. Real Madrid.
The precise dates on which the games will be played on will be determined at a later time. The team’s finishing in second place will host the first leg of the Round of 16 and then travel for the second leg.
Here’s the full UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw:
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW
Manchester City vs. Barcelona
Olympiacos vs. Manchester United
AC Milan vs. Atletico Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Galatasaray vs. Chelsea
FC Schalke vs. Real Madrid
Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
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What do you think of this draw? Excited for the Arsenal-Bayern and Man City-Barcelona match-ups? Which team do you feel received the best draw?
Share your thoughts below.