Champions League draw: Barcelona goes to Naples, Real Madrid takes Leipzig. PSG takes on Real Sociedad in a thrilling duel

The last edition of the Champions League as we know it. A few days ago, we said goodbye to the group stage and we’re now in the eighth round. For example, Naples and Barcelona or Leipzig and Real Madrid.

At first glance, this year’s Champions League may look a little weaker than in previous years. In fact, the competition is missing heavyweights like Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus, while Manchester United, Sevilla, Benfica and AC Milan have also dropped out of the group.

Bayern, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Barcelona have secured promotion from the top spot.

These teams will challenge the second-placed teams, Copenhagen, PSV, Napoli, Inter, Lazio, PSG, Leipzig and Porto. The eighth-finals will feature four Spanish teams, three German and Italian teams, two English teams and finally one team each from the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal.

Monday’s draw for the semi-finals drew the following teams:

Porto – Arsenal
Naples – Barcelona
PSG – Real Sociedad
Inter – Atlético Madrid
PSV – Dortmund
Lazio – Bayern
Copenhagen – Manchester City
Leipzig – Real Madrid

The first Champions League semi-finals will be played on Valentine’s Day, 13 and 14 February. The return legs are then scheduled for 5 and 6 March. The second-placed team starts at home.

One of the most attractive duels will probably be between Napoli and Barcelona or Leipzig and Real Madrid. But Porto vs Arsenal or PSV vs Dortmund could also be interesting offensive duels. A 50-50 duel is Inter with Atlético Madrid.

Source: UEFA