After a dominant victory over Manchester City, Real Madrid continues its journey in the 2024/25 Champions League, now awaiting the Round of 16 draw. 

Who Could Madrid Face in the Next Round?

The draw, set to take place on Friday, February 21, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, will determine Real Madrid’s next rival. The two possible opponents in this stage are Atlético de Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

A matchup against Atlético de Madrid would add another chapter to the fierce Madrid rivalry. These two clubs have faced off in crucial Champions League encounters before, with Real Madrid emerging victorious in memorable finals.

On the other hand, if the draw pairs them with Bayer Leverkusen, it would mark the return of Xabi Alonso to the Santiago Bernabéu, this time as the coach of the German side. His team has proven to be a strong and competitive force this season.

Round of 16 Schedule and Format

As usual in the Champions League, the knockout round will be played over two legs. The first leg is scheduled for March 4 and 5, while the second leg will take place on March 11 and 12.

Unlike other teams that finished among the top eight in the league phase and will play the second leg at home, Real Madrid will have to fight for qualification as a visitor. This adds another layer of difficulty, testing the team’s resilience in hostile environments.

The draw will not only decide the Round of 16 matchups but will also outline the road to the final in Munich on May 31. With its rich history and experience in the tournament, Real Madrid aims to keep progressing and solidify itself as a top contender for the title.