Bayern against Barcelona, Dortmund against Atlético, Gladbach against Liverpool and Leipzig against Real – that would be four possible top lots in the Champions League round of 16. For two other German clubs, the opponents will be drawn in the knockout round of the Europa League.
Nyon (AP) – Who will be the opponent in the Champions League round of 16? Defending champion FC Bayern and the other three German representatives look curiously about the draw at noon (12 noon) at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.
As in 2014, all four German starters are in the round of 16 of Europe’s premier football class. “You can say that we have improved enormously in quality in Germany and the Bundesliga,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who did not name any opponent. “I can’t change it anyway.”
The first legs in the top football class will take place on 15./16. and 23./24. February, the second leg on 9./10. and 16./17. March. Like Borussia Dortmund, Munich have home rights in the decisive game. Borussia Mönchengladbach and RB Leipzig play first at home and then away.
The first knockout round of the Europa League will also be drawn. Hoffenheim and Leverkusen are still there. The first legs of the round of 32 are scheduled for February 18, the second legs for February 25.
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN: The defending champion will travel south. FC Barcelona, humiliated 8-2 in the quarter-finals last season, and superstar Lionel Messi would be spectacular opponents. FC Porto, Atalanta Bergamo, FC Sevilla and Lazio Rome are the other options. “There are simply top teams in the round of 16,” said Flick. No matter who comes: FC Bayern is the favorite. With 16 points and 18: 5 goals, Munich, who has been undefeated in the European elite for 17 games, secured the ticket for the round of 16 as the best preliminary round team.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND: The anticipation of a round of 16 in the premier class is very far away for Borussia Dortmund after the 1: 5 bankruptcy against VfB Stuttgart and the separation from coach Lucien Favre. FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, FC Sevilla, Atalanta Bergamo and FC Porto are potential opponents. “It’s good that we came first when you look at the possible opponents. Nevertheless, you need a bit of luck, ”said BVB sports director Michael Zorc.
BORUSSIA MÖNCHENGLADBACH: After the dramatic progression, the Gladbachers were already toying with the 2019 title winner. “We have now played with Inter Milan and Real Madrid against two teams that have a history with Borussia Mönchengladbach. And if you take the list of clubs, then Liverpool is the third club with which Gladbach has a great history, ”said Eberl. In the 1970s, the national championship and UEFA Cup finals were all about the title between the two teams. In addition to Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Juventus Turin and Paris Saint-Germain are eligible.
RB LEIPZIG: Liverpool FC is also a possible opponent for last season’s semi-finalists. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea FC and Juventus Turin are also in the draw. Basically he doesn’t care about the opponent, said coach Julian Nagelsmann. «Real Madrid and Juve have beautiful anthems. Maybe it will be one of the two teams. “
EUROPA LEAGUE: Hoffenheim is in the knockout round for the first time. Originally, coach Sebastian Hoeneß was hoping for a “big opponent”, but in the end he said: “That can wait a little longer.” After the strong previous year, when the air ran out at the end, Leverkusen got a taste for it – also in Europe. “We want to create great things this year,” said offensive player Leon Bailey.
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