Sports

Messi-Ronaldo clash leads CL Round of 16 ties

Sports Desk, Dec 13 (EFE).- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are slated for a mouthwatering showdown after Paris Saint-Germain were drawn against Manchester United in the Champions League Round of 16 on Monday.

The last time the global stars came face-to-face in competition was during the 2020 Champions League when Ronaldo netted two of Juventus’ three goals in the team’s victory over Barcelona during what would turn out to be Messi’s final year with the Catalans.

Barcelona failed to qualify for the round of 16 this year, finishing behind Benfica in the group stage.

The Portuguese team is set to take on current LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the knockout stages, meaning the likes of Karim Benzema, an in-form Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric, among others, stand in their path to the quarter-finals.

Defending LaLiga champions Atletico de Madrid have a tough draw against German powerhouse Bayern Munich, who won all their games in the group stages.

Last year’s Europa League champions Villareal face the equally tricky prospect of trying to muscle past Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City, runner-up in last year’s competition.

The current Champions League title-holders Chelsea were drawn against Lille while Liverpool will play RB Salzburg.

Inter Milan will get ready for a date with Ajax while Juventus, the other remaining Italian side, head for a tie with Sporting. EFE

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