There will be a lot of buzz around midweek as European Football progresses to the business end of the soccer season, starting with the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoffs.
After a gruelling 8 game selection exercise, 8 teams ( Arsenal, Bayern, Tottenham, Liverpool, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Sporting) managed to qualify directly to the Round of 16. The remaining 16 teams will contest a two-legged playoff to take their place alongside the top 8.
The playoffs begin this week, from Tuesday to Wednesday. Some mouth-watering contests are on the cards.
The Teams are drawn as follows.
Defending Champions PSG are to take on Monaco.
Newcastle United have been drawn to face Qarabagh FK from Azerbaijan.
Inter Milan will face Bodø/Glimt from Norway.
Real Madrid will lock horns against an in-form Benfica.
Juventus, the Italian giants, are drawn to face the Turks from Galatasaray.
Bayer Leverkusen have a Greek challenge in Olympiacos.
Dortmund take on the Italian side Atalanta.
Atletico Madrid will be challenged by Club Brugge.
It is going to be a terrific week of football with all eyes on the defending champions, PSG. The French giants lost to Rennes in the Ligue 1 two nights ago, and with Lens winning their tie against Paris FC, PSG have been dismantled from their perch at the top by a gritty Lens. Pressure will be on PSG to deliver against a plucky Monaco.
Atletico Madrid will be on a high after giving Barcelona a 4-0 drubbing in the Copa Del Rey semis and should come through the Club Brugge Challenge.
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