French giants Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and their Champions League title credentials will face a big test in the round of 16 after they were drawn against 13-time European champions Real Madrid.

PSG and Real Madrid were drawn together during the first knockout stage draw which had to be done twice due to technical problem from the initial draw. A statement from European football’s governing body, UEFA, said that a technical problem with the software of an external service provider led to a material error during the first draw. To this effect, the first knockout stage draw was declared void and it had to be redone.

The tie between Real Madrid and PSG is undoubtedly the standout tie of the round as veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos will face his former club. The Spaniard won several titles during his 17-year spell at Real Madrid including four Champions League trophies. He was one of several free transfer signings at PSG in the summer after his Real Madrid contract was not renewed on the back of its expiration.

Recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was also a free transfer at PSG this summer and he would be relishing the two-legged tie with Real Madrid. Four-time Champions League winner Messi has a very good record against Real Madrid from his time as a Barcelona player. Messi had 26 goals and 14 assists in 39 appearances during the El Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Champions League trophy has remained elusive for PSG and it was one of the major reasons why the French giants opted for the free transfer signings of players like Ramos and Messi who have several Champions League titles under their belts. Real Madrid will definitely test their Champions League title-winning mettle when the two teams do battle in February and March.

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid will have to navigate through their nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo if they want to secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals after they were drawn together with Manchester United in the round of 16. Ronaldo has a very good record against Atletico Madrid with a return of 25 goals in 35 games.

Holders Chelsea can become the first team to retain the Champions League title after Real Madrid this season and their quest to achieve this feat continues with a two-legged tie involving French champions Lille. On their part, English champions Manchester City have been drawn with their Portuguese counterparts Sporting Lisbon.

German champions Bayern Munich will face their Austrian counterparts in one of the ties while three-time winners Inter Milan play six-time winners Liverpool. Portuguese side Benfica will take on Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam in another tie while Villarreal play Juventus.

The first leg games will be played across 15, 16, 22 and 23 February 2022while the second leg games will be played across 8,9, 15 and 16 March 2022.