The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw has set the stage for high-profile showdowns, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi set to face Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in one of the standout fixtures.
Friday’s draw revealed several thrilling matchups, including head-to-head battles between African stars representing some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The highly anticipated PSG-Liverpool tie promises an intense battle on the flanks, with Hakimi and Salah likely to be key figures in their teams’ quest for a quarter-final spot.
In another eye-catching fixture, Feyenoord’s Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa will face the might of Italian giants Inter Milan, while the Madrid derby will pit Real Madrid’s Moroccan playmaker Brahim Diaz against Atlético Madrid’s Mozambican defender Reinildo Mandava. The city rivalry is expected to be fierce, with both teams aiming for another deep run in the competition.
Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, featuring Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari, will challenge Premier League leaders Arsenal, where Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to play a pivotal role. This matchup promises a blend of technical finesse and tactical battles in the midfield.
German football fans can look forward to a domestic clash as Bayern Munich faces Bayer Leverkusen. Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will be crucial for Leverkusen’s hopes of toppling the German champions in what is set to be a high-octane affair.
Borussia Dortmund will lock horns with French side Lille in another exciting encounter. Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy will lead Dortmund’s attack, while Lille’s lineup will include Algerian midfielder Nabil Bentaleb and Moroccan winger Osame Sahraoui, adding more African representation to the tie.
Elsewhere, Belgian side Club Bruges will rely on Chemsdine Talbi, a promising Belgian star of Moroccan descent, as they take on Premier League outfit Aston Villa, who have been in fine form this season.
Rounding off the draw, Portuguese giants Benfica will face Barcelona in a fixture rich in European history. Though lacking direct African head-to-head matchups, this clash is expected to be another highlight of the round.
Champions League Round of 16 Draw:
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool
- Feyenoord vs Inter Milan
- Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid
- PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal
- Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
- Club Bruges vs Aston Villa
- Benfica vs Barcelona
The round of 16 promises thrilling encounters with several African stars set to play pivotal roles. From Hakimi and Salah’s direct duel to Guirassy and Bentaleb’s showdown, the African continent’s influence remains significant in Europe’s top club competition. With spots in the quarter-finals at stake, the stage is set for drama, passion, and unforgettable Champions League nights.
