Champions League: Arsenal v Barcelona; Chelsea v PSG
Gunners get 'nightmare' tie against the champions of Europe as Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain for third year running
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.
Subscribe to 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
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 16, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - tears of the trade, monkeyshines, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 wild card cartoons about Trump's cabinet picks
Cartoons Artists take on square pegs, very fine people, and more
By The Week US Published
-
How will Elon Musk's alliance with Donald Trump pan out?
The Explainer The billionaire's alliance with Donald Trump is causing concern across liberal America
By The Week UK Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The wit and wisdom of Sven-Göran Eriksson
In Depth The first foreign coach to manage England on football, life and death
By The Week Staff Published
-
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
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published