Barcelona's possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 | Barca Universal

"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."

"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."

"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."

Barcelona secured direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16 by winning their final group match and benefiting from favourable results elsewhere. The team entered the match sitting ninth with a +5 goal difference and required victory and favourable outcomes to climb into the top eight. The draw on Friday, January 30 will determine Barcelona's round-of-16 opponent, with possible opponents including Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, AS Monaco or Qarabag. The bracket suggests potential quarterfinal clashes with Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool, or winners from a playoff involving Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge or Galatasaray. Knockout playoff first legs are scheduled for February 17–18 with returns on February 24–25; Barcelona's round of 16 begins in March over two legs.

Read at Barca Universal