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.
In the Europa League, Tottenham drew Fiorentina, Liverpool were paired with German side Augsburg and Manchester United, relegated to the competition after finishing third in the Champions League group, were handed a tie against Midtjylland of Denmark.
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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
