Champions League, round of 16: Presenting the major details
What's the story
The UEFA Champions League is back and we are set to witness the round of 16 battles as the knockout stages begin. The first leg of four games are to be played on Wednesday and Thursday (IST), with Barcelona's tie against Paris Saint-Germain drawing maximum attention. The remaining four games will be played the following week. Here we highlight the major details.
First leg
Round of 16, first leg: Here is the schedule
Leipzig vs Liverpool: February 17, 1:30 AM IST Barcelona vs PSG: February 17, 1:30 AM IST Sevilla vs Dortmund: February 18, 1:30 AM IST Porto vs Juventus: February 18, 1:30 AM IST Atletico vs Chelsea: February 24, 1:30 AM IST Lazio vs Bayern: February 24, 1:30 AM IST Atalanta vs Real: February 25, 1:30 AM IST Gladbach vs City: February 25, 1:30 AM IST
Second leg
Round of 16, second leg: Here's the schedule
Dortmund vs Sevilla: March 10, 1:30 AM IST Juventus vs Porto: March 10, 1:30 AM IST Liverpool vs Leipzig: March 11, 1:30 AM IST PSG vs Barcelona March 11, 1:30 AM IST Real vs Atalanta: March 17, 1:30 AM IST City vs Gladbach: March 17, 1:30 AM IST Chelsea vs Atletico: March 18, 1:30 AM IST Bayern vs Lazio: March 18, 1:30 AM IST
Neymar
Neymar's absence highlights Barca-PSG encounter
PSG superstar Neymar is set to miss the upcoming clash against former side Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian has been sidelined for four weeks due to a groin injury. It also puts his participation in doubt as far as the second leg against the Spanish side is concerned. Neymar has amassed six goals in the Champions League 2020-21 season.
Venues
Change of scenarios for Leipzig and Liverpool
The first leg of the last-16 tie between Leipzig and Liverpool has already been switched to Budapest. There is a possibility that the return meeting won't be played at Anfield. Liverpool may be forced to play the 'home' leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with the German side at a neutral venue.
Information
Chelsea's match against Atletico Madrid to take place in Bucharest
Premier League side Chelsea will play their away match against Atletico at Arena Nationala in Bucharest, UEFA had announced on Wednesday. Earlier, the match was scheduled to be played at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.