By David Awopetu
Barcelona were drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the standout tie of the Champions League round of 16 on Monday.
The clash means that, if fit, Neymar will return to Camp Nou. The last time these teams met in the competition produced one of the most memorable matches in Champions League history as Barca -inspired by Neymar – won the round-of-16 second-leg clash 6-1 to recover from a 4-0 first-leg defeat. Neymar left in the summer of 2017, and this will be his first return.
Cristiano Ronaldo will make a return to his home Country, Portugal, as Juventus were drawn with Porto – a side he has mixed memories of playing against in the competition.
In 2004, his Manchester United side were eliminated by Porto after a draw at Old Trafford, which sparked Jose Mourinho’s famous run down the Old Trafford touchline. However, five years later, Ronaldo scored a stunning goal that decided their quarterfinal clash, and he was awarded the Puskas Award for it.
Liverpool face RB Leipzig, who qualified for the knockout phase by beating Manchester United, and while manager Jurgen Klopp will know the dangers, he will also be encouraged by the manner in which they collapsed to a 5-0 group stage defeat at Old Trafford.
It will be an intriguing match-up between Klopp and 33-year-old fellow countryman Julian Nagelsmann, regarded as Europe’s finest young coach.
Chelsea face arguably the toughest test of England’s Champions League contenders.
Atletico Madrid, who beat Chelsea in the 2014 semi-final, have been in fine form in La Liga and saw off holders Liverpool at the same stage last season. They have also been strengthened by the signing of veteran striker Luis Suarez, who has been revitalised since arriving from Barcelona. Manchester City, who are yet to enjoy continental success under Pep Guardiola, face Borussia Monchengladbach of Germany who will be eyeing up a notable scalp.
They are gracing this stage of the Champions League for the very first time, but edged out Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter at the group stage to reach this point.
Holders Bayern Munich were drawn against Lazio, who were unbeaten in the group phase and qualified for the knockout stages for the first time in 20 years.
The two-legged ties will be played starting Feb. 16.
