Champions League: Bayern to face Leverkusen in R16

The Champions League round of 16 is to feature both an all-German matchup and a Madrid derby. The two-legged ties are to be played in early to mid-March.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are to face Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 of this year's Champions League. Germany's other team in Friday's draw, struggling Borussia Dortmund , who are also last year's Champions League finalists, are to face French Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

Bayern Munich, who are looking for their first Champions League title since 2020, are eight points clear of Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and the two teams played out a scoreless draw last weekend. Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen broke Bayern's lock on the Bundesliga title last season, winning the club's first league title.

The draw also produced a mouth-watering matchup in Spain, where defending champions Real Madrid were paired with cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.

The first leg matches in the round of 16 are to be played on March 4 and 5, with the return legs scheduled for the following week, March 11 and 12.

Munich's Allianz Arena will host the final on May 31.

Edited by: Rob Mudge