Arsenal's hopes of progressing beyond the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in six years appear doomed after they were drawn against reigning champions Barcelona, while Chelsea's hopes of a long run in this year's tournament were also dealt a blow as they were paired with Paris Saint-Germain for the third year running.
The draw was kinder to Manchester City who landed a tie with Dynamo Kiev, who will have to play the home leg in front of an empty stadium as a punishment for the racist behaviour of their fans during the match against Chelsea.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Former United defender Gary Neville, now in charge of Valencia avoided English opposition and will instead face Rapid Vienna.
The draw is a "nightmare" for Arsenal, says the Daily Mail. The Gunners only just escaped from their group, beating Olympiakos 3-0 away from home to qualify for the knock-out stages but Arsene Wenger's prize for his team's heroics is a "daunting" tie against the Spanish giants.
"The speed of their passing, the tireless running of Ivan Rakitic and their magical front three [of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez] present a formidable obstacle for Arsenal," notes the Daily Telegraph, with a degree of understatement.
And the news is not much better for Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who "could not have wished for a worse possible draw", according to the Mail.
Champions League last-16 draw:
Gent v Wolfsburg
Roma v Real Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain v Chelsea
Arsenal v Barcelona
Juventus v Bayern Munich
PSV v Atlético Madrid
Benfica v Zenit Saint Petersburg
Dynimo Kyiv v Manchester City
-
Should you downsize for retirement? Here's what to consider.The Explainer Moving to a smaller place may seem easier, but there are also some real benefits to staying put
-
What to do if you want to move but don't want to give up your low mortgage ratethe explainer 30-year mortgage rates are currently averaging 7% — and homeowners who secured rates closer to 3% during the pandemic are reluctant to sell their homes
-
Sudoku medium: September 1, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football managerSpeed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions LeagueIn the Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
-
The wit and wisdom of Sven-Göran ErikssonIn Depth The first foreign coach to manage England on football, life and death
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium earlyTalking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
