Champions League: Last 16 Draw

Two of the bookies favourites for the Champions League who also are the top two in the Premier League had to wait until past midday for their European Knock-out stage draw. Following elimination from the Champions League group stages Manchester City and Manchester United will have to get passed Porto and Ajax respectively, two other big names dropping out of 'Elite' in to 'Average.' The Premier League's only two group stage survivors face risk of elimination after drawing tough 'Italian Jobs' in the Last 16. Both Chelsea and Arsenal won their respective groups but nevertheless in the first leg Chelsea have to travel to Napoli and Arsenal to AC Milan. Both English clubs will be wary of their Italian counterparts yet will still consider themselves favourites; Arsenal have an incredible record against Italian clubs and beat Milan, at the San Siro, 2-0 in 2008, Chelsea's record versus Italian clubs is not so great but with the strength of their side they will fancy their chances.

Elsewhere defending champions Barcelona face Bayer Leverkusen and despite the loss of David Villa, Barca ought to walk in to the Quarter Finals. Arguably their biggest threat this season, for both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid face CSKA Moscow who too will expect to reach the Last 8. Although the Russians flaunt some dangerous attacking threats in Vagner Love and Seydou Doumbia. Russia is well represented in this years knockout stage with Zenit St. Petersburg facing Benfica in their first appearance at this stage. Similarly Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia are making their knock-out stage debut and have been the surprise side of the tournament so far, they face French giants Lyon. Basel, who knocked out Manchester United in the Group Stage, face third favourites Bayern Munich. Marseille, who got through in dramatic fashion, face Inter Milan in the final match of the Last 16. That rounds up the draw, which has produced some mouth watering matches. Games to be played 14/15 of Feb and 21/22 of Feb.