Liverpool take on Bayern in last-16

Nyon, December 17 

Liverpool will take on fellow five-time winners Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Jose Mourinho’s struggling Manchester United face French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Holders Real Madrid were paired with Ajax in Monday’s draw in Nyon as the Spaniards attempt to lift the trophy for the fifth time in six seasons.

Both Liverpool and Bayern have been the champions five times. Liverpool are the current form side and sit top of the Premier League while Bayern, under new coach Niko Kovac, have been short of their own high standards in the Bundesliga this season.

“That’s the team of the hour, the league leaders in England, they are playing really good football, very physical, really stepping it up. We are looking forward to it,” Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said of the tie with Liverpool.

Atletico Madrid, beaten finalists in 2014 and 2016, come up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Italian heavyweights Juventus. “A very difficult match, with few goals,” Juve vice-president Pavel Nedved predicted. “No doubt Cristiano is the man of the Champions League, he has always shown that, with goals and victories. Our.” — AFP  

The draw

• Schalke vs Man City 
• Atletico vs Juventus 
• Manchester United vs Paris 
• Tottenham vs Dortmund
• Lyon vs Barcelona
• Roma vs Porto
• Ajax vs Real Madrid 
• Liverpool vs Bayern