The European footballing body blamed a "technical problem," which resulted in the original draw being declared void.
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Following an error involving Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United, UEFA will hold a new Champions League last-16 draw at 7:30 pm IST on Monday. The European footballing body blamed a “technical problem,” which resulted in the original draw being declared void. The problem arose when Group B runners-up Atletico Madrid were drawn and their potential last-16 opponents – all group winners – were placed in a separate pot, but United were not included.
Teams that played each other in the group stages are supposed to be separated in the last-16 draw. United did not face Atletico in the groups, but Liverpool did, and Jurgen Klopp’s side was mistakenly placed in a pot with Atletico, who were then drawn against Bayern Munich.
Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2021
UEFA said in a statement: “Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.”
“As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone,” it added.
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Villarreal vs Manchester City
Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich
RB Salzburg vs Liverpool
Inter Milan vs Ajax
Sporting Lisbon vs Juventus
Chelsea vs LOSC Lille
Paris Saint Germain vs Manchester United
The decision would come as a disappointment to a number of football fans around the globe who were sure of a Messi-Ronaldo tie as Paris Saint Germain had originally drawn Manchester United.
Manchester United defeated Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League group stage match to secure a place in the knockout stages. The Red Devils came into the game after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, and they looked shaky in the first half. However, two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho earned the English club three points. In other news, Atalanta and Young Boys drew 3-3 in Bern to remain in contention for a knockout spot.
Paris Saint Germain only managed a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig in their final group game. In the eighth minute, Christopher Nkunku gave Leipzig the lead, but Georginio Wijnaldum scored a first-half brace, his first two goals for the club. PSG led 2-1 at the halftime break. Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury-time penalty, however, ensured Leipzig escaped with a point. PSG is still second in the group, one point behind group leaders City. This was Leizpig’s first point of the campaign, and they remain at the bottom of the table.
