ARSENAL have been handed a showdown with Bayern Munich in the round of 16 draw of the UEFA Champions League, just as ex-Germany star, Lothar Matthaus has warned the Bundesliga side to be wary of the Gunners.
The English Premier League giants were handed a repeat of their last-16 ties from both 2013 and 2014, both of which saw them eliminated. Both sides also met in last season’s group stage.
However, Matthaus warned his former club, Bayern Munich that the Gunners will be no
pushovers.
Leicester City will lock horns with Europa League holders Sevilla – a first-ever meeting between the sides as Manchester City face Monaco of France.
Meanwhile, champions, Real Madrid, take on Napoli, while rivals FC Barcelona have a tricky tie against Paris Saint German.
Serie A giants, Juventus, will confront FC Porto, as Benfica tackle Borussia Dortmund.
Seeded group winners will be away in the round of 16 first legs on February 14/15 and February 21/22 and at home in the return matches on March 7/8 and March 14/15.
Arsenal only avoided a showdown with FC Barcelona after PSG were held at home by Ludogorets in their final group game.
However, their reward for finishing top of the pile couldn’t have been much worse.
Arsenal’s general secretary, David Miles told BT Sport 2: “We thought it might happen, we’ve played them five or six times in the last three years.
“We’ve now qualified for the knockout stage for the 14th successive season, that’s testament to Arsene and the squad over that period.
“The fans will think we’ve got the rough end of the draw again, but at some stage the tide’s got to turn so why not this time?”
The ties will be played in February and March, with Arsenal knowing they have the second leg at home by virtue of qualifying as group winners.
“Hopefully we can get some of our injured players back and the home game in the second leg will be vital for us,” said Miles. “We’re going to be upbeat and positive.”
Meanwhile, ex-England star, Gary Lineker believes it’s a fair draw for the London side.
Speaking through his twitter handle, Gary Lineker@GaryLineker he said: “That’s what you get for winning your group @Arsenal . A nice easy tie with @FCBayernEN”.
Champions League Rd of 16 fixtures:
Manchester City   vs Monaco
Real Madrid          vs Napoli
Benfica                  vs Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich      vs Arsenal
Porto                       vs Juventus
Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid
PSGÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â vs Barcelona
Sevilla                     vs Leicester City
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