FC Copenhagen has emerged as the underdog story of the 2023 UEFA Champions League, securing a spot in the last-16 draw and drawing Manchester City.
The Danish side, currently ranked 79th on Euro Club Index, defied expectations by outperforming football giants Manchester United (16th) and Galatasaray (50th) in the group stage.
FC Copenhagen’s unexpected journey in the competition has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. Their qualification ahead of more highly-ranked teams has added an element of unpredictability to the knockout stages.
The draw for the last-16 stage has pitted FC Copenhagen against Premier League powerhouse Manchester City. Despite being considered the weakest team remaining in the competition, FC Copenhagen’s resilience and determination have already proven that they should not be underestimated.
In other notable fixtures, defending champions Bayern Munich will face Lazio, while Paris St-Germain takes on Real Sociedad. The clash between Napoli and Barcelona promises to be a thrilling encounter, and Inter Milan’s meeting with Atletico Madrid adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming fixtures.
The first legs of the last-16 ties are scheduled to take place on 13-14 and 20-21 February 2024, with the return legs set for 5-6 and 12-13 March.
Football enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate these matches, as the road to the UEFA Champions League final continues with intriguing matchups and potential upsets on the horizon.
2023 UEFA Champions League last-16 draw in full
FC Porto v Arsenal
Napoli v Barcelona
Paris St-Germain v Real Sociedad
Inter Milan v Atletico Madrid
PSV Eindhoven v Borussia Dortmund
Lazio v Bayern Munich