Champions League: Smooth Sailing for Bayern and BVB, Leipzig Faces Real Madness
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have received favorable opponents for the round of 16 in the Champions League, while RB Leipzig confronts titans Real Madrid. Munich and Dortmund will launch their knockout phase quests in February and March against Lazio Roma and PSV Eindhoven, respectively. The first legs, which fall between February 13 and 21, will see Leipzig hosting, while Bayern and BVB begin their journeys away from home. The second legs will transpire between March 5 and 13. The ultimate goal of all contending teams is the final set to unfold on June 1 at Wembley Stadium, London.
Munich virtually sailed through their preliminary round with an impressive five wins and a draw, securing first place in the group with aplomb. Bayern are the unquestioned favorites against Lazio Roma, currently in disarray in the Serie A table.
Dortmund emerged victorious from their grueling preliminary round group and should have a decent shot at progression against PSV Eindhoven. Having finished second behind Manchester City in their knockout phase, Leipzig enters as an underdog against Real Madrid's star ensemble. Lastly, 4th Bundesliga debutant 1. FC Union Berlin concluded their European Cup journey at the bottom of their group.
In other notable round of 16 matches, defending champions Manchester City tackle surprise team FC Copenhagen, while FC Barcelona face Italian champions SSC Napoli. Paris Saint-Germain encounter supposedly easy opponent Real Sociedad San Sebastian. FC Arsenal face FC Porto, while Inter Milan take on Atlético Madrid.
This season marks the end of the Champions League in its current format. Following the summer, the European premier competition evolves into a league-style format featuring 36 teams in the preliminary round, all playing in one table. Thereafter, each participant enjoys two additional group games, with play-offs for the round of 16 reserved for some participants.
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