Which sides could Man Utd & Man City face in the Champions League round of 16?

Both Manchester clubs topped their respective Champions League groups and know which clubs they could face in the next round.
Michael Plant
By Michael Plant
Published 6th Dec 2021, 15:40 BST
Updated 13th Dec 2021, 10:05 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

The Champions League trophy. Credit: Getty.The Champions League trophy. Credit: Getty.
The Champions League trophy. Credit: Getty.

Having secured top spot in their respective Champions League groups, Manchester United and Manchester City are eager to find out which sides they will face in the last-16.

City lost 2-1 to RB Leipzig in their final group game, although they already knew they’d finish first regardless of the result. That’s the same situation that beckons for Ralf Rangnick’s men who drew 1-1 with Young Boys on Wednesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The culmination of the group-stage fixtures meant United and City knew which six sides they could face in the knockout stages, with the draw taking place on Monday 13 December.

Ralf Rangnick’s second game in charge comes against Young Boys. Credit: Getty.Ralf Rangnick’s second game in charge comes against Young Boys. Credit: Getty.
Ralf Rangnick’s second game in charge comes against Young Boys. Credit: Getty.

How does the draw work?

Having finished first in their groups, the Manchester clubs will be paired against teams who have finished second in another Champions League group.

However, Uefa rules dictate sides cannot be drawn against opposition who were in the same group, or clubs from the same country. The latter is significant for both teams as Chelsea finished second in Group H.

As always, the clubs paired together will play each other over two legs, but for the first time this season the away goals rule will not be in utilized in the competition.

United famously eliminated PSG in the 2018/19 last-16 stage. Credit: Getty.United famously eliminated PSG in the 2018/19 last-16 stage. Credit: Getty.
United famously eliminated PSG in the 2018/19 last-16 stage. Credit: Getty.

Who could Manchester United face?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United can’t face Villarreal, who finished second in their group, and there are six sides United could face Monday’s draw:

  • Paris Saint-Germain (Group A runner-up)
  • Atletico Madrid (Group B runner-up)
  • Sporting Lisbon (Group C runner-up)
  • Inter Milan (Group D runner-up)
  • Benfica (Group E runner-up)
  • RB Salzburg (Group G runner-up)

Who could Manchester City face?

PSG finished second and, given they were in City’s group, cannot be drawn against the Premier League champions in the next round. Here’s who they could play:

  • Atletico Madrid (Group B runner-up)
  • Sporting Lisbon (Group C runner-up)
  • Inter Milan (Group D runner-up)
  • Benfica (Group E runner-up)
  • Villarreal (Group F runner-up)
  • RB Salzburg (Potential Group G runner-up)
  • Juventus (Potential Group H runner-up)
City played Borussia Monchengladbach in last season’s last-16 tie. Credit: GettyCity played Borussia Monchengladbach in last season’s last-16 tie. Credit: Getty
City played Borussia Monchengladbach in last season’s last-16 tie. Credit: Getty

When is the draw?

The last-16 draw will take place on Monday 13 December at 11am UK time. As usual, the proceedings will be conducted at Uefa’s Nyom headquarters.

The draw will be shown on BT Sport 1 and Uefa’s Youtube channel.

The last-16 matches will be spread out across February and March, beginning on 15 February and ending on 16 March.

Related topics:Man CityChampions LeagueManchesterUEFARB Leipzig

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.