The UEFA Champions League Edition of 2024-2025 continues to thrill on March 4, 2025, when four major duels are drawn in the Round of 16. Featuring top clubs from Europe, the first leg presents an exciting knockout round on the quest for the Quarter-final. Today we look at the matches.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Arsenal
As the latest in the knockout fixtures, Arsenal travels to the Phillips Stadion to face PSV Eindhoven. Despite some top players being out—like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli—Arsenal will still, however, wish to build on a great form. PSV Eindhoven’s attacking flair will be looking to take advantage of its home front against the Premier League side.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
Signal Iduna Park will host Borussia Dortmund against Lille. Manager Niko Kovač takes comfort in his squad, titular leading into the match on the domestic front. On the other hand, Lille will be eyeing the away advantage and hoping to feature the talents of Jonathan David and Burak Yılmaz.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
In another highly anticipated fixture, the Jan Breydel Stadium is home to Belgian side Club Brugge against Aston Villa. Club Brugge puts on a good show these recent years, while Villa works through their intelligent management to put themselves on the European stage. It is expected to be a hard-fought match, with both teams going for a gold in the opening leg.
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
The Madrid derby will be at the centerpiece as Real Madrid face Atlético Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This is always a knife-edge encounter and with both teams possessing world-class players, it promises to be an absolute cracker. Real Madrid has its old campaigners, who will want to take the fight to the heart of their opponents, while Atlético Madrid will, of course, look to play to their solid defensive game, along with their dangerous counter-attacking football.
Looking Ahead
These Round of 16 first-leg matches are critical in laying the foundation toward the quarter-finals. With all top teams fighting one another, provide the kind of drama that is replete with thrills each match day brings. The return fixtures are next week, March 11 and 12, 2025, with the quarter-finals scheduled for April. The final will take place on May 31, 2025, in Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, whereinsuperpowers in Europe will battle out for the big prize.