With AC Milan in the runner-up pot, the odds of a high-profile matchup in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League were quite high. As it turns out, the draw did not disappoint.
Arsenal got paired with Milan during Friday's Champions League draw, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the tournament's Round of 16. The two met in this round of the 2007-2008 Champions League as well, with Arsenal moving on to the quarterfinals. The other remaining English competitor, Chelsea, will also face a high-powered Italian side after drawing Napoli.
As for the two Spanish powerhouses, defending champion Barcelona must face Bayer Leverkusen as the next step in its quest to repeat, while Real Madrid drew CSKA Moscow.
Here are all of the Champions League knockout pairings:
Arsenal vs. AC Milan
Chelsea vs. Napoli
Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Real Madrid vs. CSKA Moscow
Bayern Munich vs. FC Basel
APOEL Nicosia vs. Lyon
Benfica vs. Zenit St. Petersburg
Inter Milan vs. Marseille
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What do you think of the draw? Do you see any group runners-up pulling off the upset? Who do you see winning the Arsenal-AC Milan matchup?
Share your thoughts below.
