Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa’s potential routes to the Champions League final have become clearer following the conclusion of the round of 16 draw.
Liverpool dominated the revamped group stage, securing 21 points from eight matches to finish at the top of the 32-team format. Arsenal claimed third place, while Aston Villa finished eighth after a decisive 4-2 win over Celtic at Villa Park.
As a result, all three English clubs qualified directly for the last 16 as seeded teams, ensuring they play the second leg of their ties at home and avoid the two-legged play-off round, which was required for teams finishing between ninth and 24th.
The play-off fixtures wrapped up on Wednesday, and the last 16 draw was conducted at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday.
Liverpool’s Road to the Final
Liverpool have one of the toughest matchups among the seeded teams, facing Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. If they progress, they will take on the winner of Aston Villa vs. Club Brugge, potentially setting up another trip to Villa Park after their recent 2-2 league draw.
A semi-final clash could see Liverpool meet Arsenal, though other possibilities include Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, or PSV. Potential final opponents from the other side of the bracket include Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Inter Milan.
Arsenal’s Road to the Final
Arsenal must first overcome reigning Dutch champions PSV in the last 16. Victory would set up a quarter-final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Should they advance to the semi-finals, Arsenal could face PSG, Club Brugge, Liverpool, or Aston Villa. Their potential opponents in the final mirror those of Liverpool: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, or Inter Milan.
Aston Villa’s Road to the Final
Aston Villa will face Club Brugge in the last 16, with the prospect of meeting either PSG or Liverpool in the quarter-finals should they progress.
In the semi-finals, Villa could face Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, PSV, or Arsenal. Like Liverpool and Arsenal, their possible final opponents include Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, or Inter Milan.
Full Champions League Round of 16 Draw
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
PSV vs. Arsenal
Benfica vs. Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan
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