Lionel Messi is set for a return to Spain and erstwhile arch rivals Real Madrid as his Paris Saint-Germain side drew them in the first round of the Champions League knockout stages after a second draw.
The draw that originally took place on Wednesday morning (UK and US time) was rescheduled for the afternoon after Atletico Madrid appealed for a re-run as a result with the software for the original draw. Messi’s side originally were pulled out of the hat to play Manchester United, setting the stage for another of his old rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo, to meet him again.
After UEFA agreed to a new draw, the eight match-ups were decided for a final time.
Atletico Madrid were eventually drawn against Manchester United, who will see Ralf Rangnick take charge of the first team for his first Champions League game with his new side.
Elsewhere, Manchester City will likely be pleased with a trip to Sporting Lisbon, and Liverpool have current Serie A champions Inter Milan to take on.
Chelsea will face Lille, with the two former sides of Eden Hazard to meet to decide who gets passage to the quarter finals of the tournament.
Elsewhere, current holders Bayern Munich face Salzburg, and Benfica face Ajax.
However the biggest draw is Real facing PSG, with former Barcelona player Messi facing off against his old foes since the first time he left for the French club in controversial circumstances last summer.
What is the Champions League knockout draw?
- FC Salzburg vs. Bayern Munich
- Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City
- Benfica vs. Ajax
- Chelsea vs. Lille
- Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United
- Villarreal vs. Juventus
- Inter Milan vs. Liverpool
- Paris Saint Germain vs. Real Madrid