Barcelona’s possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 | OneFootball

Barcelona’s victory over Copenhagen on the final matchday of the Champions League group stage has delivered exactly what the club was aiming for. 

By finishing inside the top eight, Barça have secured direct qualification to the round of 16 of Europe’s top competition, avoiding the uncertainty and extra workload of the playoff round. 

Heading into the match, Barcelona were sitting ninth and outside the automatic qualification places, with a goal difference of +5. 

Their task was to win and hope that results elsewhere went their way and that is precisely what happened. 

While Barça did their part on the pitch, favourable outcomes allowed them to climb into the top eight at the last moment.

What now?

Attention now turns to the draw, which will take place on Friday, January 30. That draw will determine Barcelona’s opponent in the round of 16. 

As things stand, four possible teams could stand in Barça’s way in the first knockout round.

The Catalan side could be paired with either Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United, or alternatively AS Monaco or Qarabag. 

Barcelona registered a crucial win over Copenhagen. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Looking further ahead, the bracket already hints at potential blockbuster clashes. 

If Barcelona progress from the round of 16, the quarterfinals could see them face either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool. 

Another possible route could involve the winner of a playoff featuring Juventus or Atletico Madrid, or alternatively Club Brugge or Galatasaray.

Before Barcelona enter the competition again, the Champions League calendar moves through the knockout playoff round, which will be played over two legs. 

The first legs are scheduled for February 17 and 18, with the return matches taking place on February 24 and 25. 

Those ties will decide which teams earn the right to face the top eight sides already waiting in the round of 16.

For Barcelona, their Champions League campaign resumes in March. The round of 16 will also be contested over two legs, with the first matches set for March 10 and 11, followed by the decisive second legs on March 17 and 18.