Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG
NYON: A Madrid derby. A German classic. A rare meeting between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. The Champions League got more heavyweight clashes when the draw for the round of 16 was made Friday. Defending champion Real Madrid’s reward for ousting 2023 title winner Manchester City is two city derbies against Atletico Madrid — the team they beat in the final in 2014 and 2016. Bayern Munich were paired with Bayer Leverkusen — the Bundesliga leader against their defending champion, who played a tight 0-0 draw just last weekend. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has never lost to Bayern in six games across three seasons, including three meetings this season. Liverpool were the top-seeded team in the draw after finishing first in the 36-team standings last month but still got a tough assignment as the Premier League leader were paired with No. 15 seed PSG.
