- Bayern vs. Leverkusen: A Bundesliga battle in the Champions League!
- Dortmund vs. Lille: Can Dortmund overcome the French side?
- Other Key Matchups: Real Madrid vs. Atlético, PSG vs. Liverpool!
Bayern vs. Leverkusen: Bundesliga Battle in Europe!
The Champions League draw in Nyon delivered a blockbuster: Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen! The first leg is set for Wednesday, March 5th, in Munich, with the return leg in Leverkusen on Tuesday, March 11th. These two German giants know each other inside out, having already clashed multiple times this season.
Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, acknowledged the challenge: “We know Bayern well, but they also know us.” Their recent league encounter ended in a goalless draw, but Leverkusen dominated at home under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso.
Dortmund’s Road Through Lille
Borussia Dortmund will face Lille OSC, starting at home on Tuesday, March 4th. Despite the home advantage in the first leg, Dortmund knows they have a tough task ahead. The return leg is in France on Wednesday, March 12th.
Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, emphasized the team’s ambition: “Even though we play the first leg at home, our clear goal is to overcome this challenging hurdle and qualify for the quarter-finals.”
Kehl also highlighted Lille’s strengths: “Lille is a very exciting opponent… a very defensively strong team that concedes an average of only one goal per game in Ligue 1.” Keep an eye out for former Dortmund player Thomas Meunier and Kylian Mbappé’s brother, Ethan!
Other Exciting Matchups to Watch
The Champions League draw didn’t disappoint, serving up other thrilling encounters:
- Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: A heated Madrid derby on the European stage!
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. FC Liverpool: Two football powerhouses colliding!
Road to the Final
Mark your calendars! The Champions League knockout stage dates are:
- Round of 16: March 4/5 and 11/12
- Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and 15/16
- Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7
- Final in Munich: May 31
Who will lift the trophy in Munich? Only time will tell!
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