UEFA champions league preview

The first legs of this season’s Champions League last sixteen ties will be played on February 12, 13, 19 and 20, with the return legs following on March 5, 6, 12 and 13.

The eight fascinating twolegged encounters are as follows:

Matches, 1st leg, 2nd leg Ajax v. Real Madrid February 13, March 5.

AS Roma v. FC Porto, February 12, March 6

Atletico Madrid v. Juventus, February 20, March 12

Liverpool v. Bayern Munich, February 19, March 13

Lyon v. Barcelona, 19 February, 13 March

Manch. Utd v. Paris St Germain, February 12, March 6

Schalke 04 v. Manchester City, February 20, March 12

Tottenham v. Borussia Dortmund, February 13, March 5 Notes:

The draw for the quarterfinals will be held on March 15 with the first legs taking place on April 9 and 10 , followed by the second legs on April 16 and 17.

■ As it strands we could get a repeat of any of the last six finals.

■ There could easily be country showdowns involving teams from England, France, Germany or Spain.

■ Seven Spanish clubs have appeared in five of the last six finals.

■ Real Madrid hold the record for most final wins (European Cup/Champions League) with 13, including the last three.

■ Of the remaining teams, Real Madrid have appeared in 16 finals (3 defeats); Bayern Munich in 10 (five wins, five defeats); Liverpool 8 (5 wins, 3 defeats) and Barcelona 8 (also 5 wins and 3 defeats).

■ Between them, Spanish clubs have won the coveted trophy 18 times plus 11 runner’s-up prizes; Italy have 12 wins and 16 seconds; England also have 12 wins with eight seconds and Germany have won the trophy seven times with 10 runner’s-up.

■ This year’s final with take place at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday June 1.