Hello all! We are minutes away from the live
Champions League round of 16 draw in Nyon, Switzerland, where all of Europe's elite clubs will be eagerly awaiting their opponents.
There are three British teams that make up the first round of the knockout stage.
Manchester United and
Arsenal are the only representatives from the Premier League, while Scottish giants
Celtic complete the British contingent.
So, the rules of how the draw works are above but let me just remind you that no teams from the same country can meet each other nor can teams that have gone head to head in the group stage.
Firstly, let's have a look at the 16 teams included and which pots they reside in.
Now that we know the teams, let's have a look at the potential meetings for the British outfits that have qualified for the knockout round.
Manchester United can play: Porto, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Shakhtar, Valencia, Celtic
Arsenal can play: PSG, Malaga, Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern, Barcelona
Celtic can play: PSG, Schalke, Malaga, Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern, Manchester United
There are some juicy head to heads there! Arguably, one of the most mouth-watering prospects would be Manchester United vs. Real Madrid, although I'm sure plenty of United fans would prefer to avoid the Spanish giants at this stage!
Arsenal could potentially meet Barcelona and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said this morning that he wouldn't be too thrilled if the Gunners met them this early. They could also face Dortmund or Bayern, which would no doubt be tough for the Premier League side considering how impressive the Bundesliga teams have been in this competition.
While there are no easy fixtures at this stage of the tournament, Celtic would probably prefer to meet Schalke or Malaga but a clash against Manchester United is also possible. Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been open about his desire to avoid the Red Devils.
Right, we're just minutes away now but it's not just us here at
Sports MoleHere we go, the first team is to be drawn...
Match 1: Galatasaray vs. Schalke
Match 2: Celtic vs. Juventus
Match 3: Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
Match 4: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Borussia Dortmund
Match 5: AC Milan vs. Barcelona
Match 6: Real Madrid vs. Manchester United
Match 7: Valencia vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Match 8: Porto vs. Malaga
So, there we have it! The draw is concluded and well, well, well, the standout tie is Manchester United's clash against Real Madrid. That was probably the fixture that neither team was hoping for but it definitely serves up as a blockbuster game for the neutrals among us!
I'm sure the main talking point in the build-up to the two-legged tie will be the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford. The managerial clash between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho will also be a talking point.
While United vs. Madrid may be the standout fixture, let's not forget that Arsenal have a difficult tie against Bayern Munich, who reached the final last season but lost on a penalties against Chelsea, who failed to qualify for this season's knockout round.
Celtic, who qualified for the final 16 for the first time in five years, managed to avoid the Red Devils but they will have to see off Serie A side Juventus over two games in order to progress into the quarter-finals of the contest.
Barcelona, who are favourites to reach the final, will have to overcome AC Milan, while Borussia Dortmund, who have been impressive in the campaign thus far will go up against Shakhtar Donetsk.
I'm sure, like me, you can't wait for February to come around as the first legs begin on 12/13 of that month. Also don't forget, make sure you tune back in with us at Sports Mole at 1pm when we take you through the Europa League round of 32 and 16 draw.
Right, let's get some reaction then shall we! Celtic boss Neil Lennon told Sky Sports News: "In terms of glamour it is great. In terms of qualification it is going to be very tough. But we will take it as it comes and our supporters will be looking forward to this match. Juventus are littered with world-class stars and they have been very consistent over the last 18 months. But coming through the group as impressively as we did, and you never know where you are going to be in a few months' time."
More from Lennon: "This club is built on the legends of Jock Stein and the Lisbon Lions, this team is reaching those same heights again. They have belief in themselves and have been playing very well away from home."
While some United fans may have been dreading facing Real Madrid, defender Rio Ferdinand seems to think differently. He just tweeted: "Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that'll be!! @Cristiano see u soon bro!!"
Man United club secretary John Alexander told Sky Sports News: "Everyone wanted to keep this for later in the competition but, out of several stand-out ties, I think this is the one. If history has anything in our favour our one victory against Real Madrid in this competition was in the season when we won the final at Wembley."
While we were all getting excited about February's fixtures, former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins has just dampened the atmosphere by telling Sky Sports News that he doesn't expect any of the British teams to reach the quarter-finals...
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno told Sky Sports News: "Fans will be very happy with this tie, Manchester United is not just good a great team but a fantastic organisation. We have a great relationship with them. It will be difficult, a very even tie, they have a strong team and great leadership. Ferguson knows how to get the best out of his team. But we are Real Madrid, we will try to do our best and I think we will rise to the occasion."
Well, today's draw is quite an amazing coincidence. The fixtures selected an random today are the exact same matches that were drawn in yesterday's rehearsal! Bizarre.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who competed for both United and Madrid in his career, has been commenting on the draw on Twitter: "United or Madrid...Who do I want to win? Played my heart out for them both. Proud to have played for both. #impossible #MayTheBestTeamWin."
Right, that shall be it from me for now and I'll let you mull over the exciting fixtures we have to look forward to! Once again, I'll remind you that Sports Mole will be covering the Europa League round of 32 and 16 draw live at 1pm so make sure you tune back in for that!
