What happened?
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw is set to take place on Friday, February 27, at 11 AM UK time in Nyon, Switzerland. Chelsea has qualified for this stage after securing a 3-2 victory in Naples, which ensured a top-eight finish in the league phase, allowing them to avoid a play-off round. The Blues will face one of the winners from the play-off ties, with potential opponents including Newcastle United, Qarabag, Paris Saint-Germain, or Monaco.
Why it matters?
This draw is crucial as it will determine Chelsea’s path in the knockout stages of the tournament. The Round of 16, quarter-final, and semi-final draws will all occur simultaneously, providing a clearer picture of the challenges ahead for the club. Additionally, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe will miss the second leg against Benfica due to a knee injury, which could impact their performance as they hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg.
What’s next?
The Champions League draw will be streamed live on UEFA.com and other platforms, allowing fans to follow the developments in real-time. As the tournament progresses, teams will prepare for their upcoming matches, with some ties already appearing to be settled while others remain finely poised for dramatic outcomes.
