champions-league-best-matchups.jpg
Getty Images

It may have taken longer than expected, but the UEFA Champions League draw for the round of 16 is now complete. After it had to be redone following the initial draw being incorrectly executed due to what UEFA says was a technical error, we finally know the eight matchups that will decide who advances to the quarterfinals. The first legs will take place on February 15-16 while the return legs will be on March 8-9. You can catch all the matches on Paramount+.

Craving even more coverage of the world's game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.

Here are all eight ties ranked from worst to best:

8. Chelsea vs. Lille

This shouldn't be much of a contest for Chelsea, even with their recent defensive issues. Lille aren't even in the top half of Ligue 1 and have had issues on both ends of the pitch. Assuming the Blues are fairly healthy, they should be able to get a good result on the road in the first leg and cruise in the second. But the instability in defense could make this one interesting. Thomas Tuchel knows Lille well from his time at PSG.

7. Bayern Munich vs. FC Salzburg 

This is probably the biggest lock in terms one team winning, and Bayern probably have the best team in the world right now, but Salzburg are no pushovers. With American Brenden Aaronson and a load of talent throughout the starting XI, the first Austrian club to make the round of 16 will be ready. They can compete, they can keep the first leg interesting, and they can score on Bayern. In the end, it likely won't be all that close, but this certainly is an interesting one due to just how much young quality will be on the pitch on both sides.

6. Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City

Sporting Lisbon have been a surprise in the competition, and they definitely have enough to make this competitive. Now, can they win the tie? That's unlikely. But they've shown the ability to handle a team like Dortmund, so there is no reason why they can't make City sweat, especially with Pep Guardiola's team producing some inconsistent showings in attack. Guardiola's City have had a tendency to play conservatively in Champions League ties and it has occasionally bitten them, there's a least a chance Sporting could take advantage.

5. Villarreal vs. Juventus

This is a Villarreal better than in recent memory and a Juve worse than in recent memory. It could truly go either way, but one thing is for sure -- we will be getting some goals. While Villarreal are a tad better going forward, Juve have those big names in defense that hope to live up to their reputations despite being past their primes. Expect this one to be close when it is all said and done, with Juve having the slight edge.

4. Benfica vs. Ajax

Two legendary clubs, past winners of the competition, hoping to break the trend of the big-money, top-league clubs winning it all. Ajax are the clear favorites due to their dominance, but Benfica have such depth and strength in their team that they can pull this off. This is arguably the most intriguing matchup in terms of underrated quality. I can't wait to see Antony try and get past the muscle Benfica have at the back. If Ajax cruise in this matchup it's time to start thinking of them as real title contenders.

3. Inter Milan vs. Liverpool

The Serie A favorites against against one of the top contenders to win the Champions League in Liverpool. It's true that Inter have done better than expected after losing key pieces like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, but there is no denying that the Reds are favored to advance. If Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez can find space and produce in front of goal, Inter will have a shot thanks to their defense. But, this is a tall task, and while it isn't an ideal draw for Liverpool, they'll love their chances.

2. Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United

There is only one storyline that matters here, and it is Cristiano Ronaldo facing the club that he's done the unthinkable to. Ronaldo has essentially ripped the heart out of Atleti's chest and proceeded to stomp on it for years. He'll hope to do it again. He was part of the two Real Madrid teams to beat Atleti in the Champions League final, the last coming in 2016 with CR7 scoring the winning penalty kick at the San Siro in Milan. Now, he's suffered some heart-wrenching defeats against Los Colchoneros, but more often than not, he's come out on top. But this time, despite finishing second in their group, Atleti have to be viewed as the slight favorites over the inconsistent Red Devils ... if they get healthy in defense. 

1. PSG vs. Real Madrid

Where do we begin? How much time do you have? There are so many juicy storylines here that make this easily the most intriguing matchup. First you've got Lionel Messi facing what was his biggest rival for his entire Barcelona career. Then you also have PSG's Kylian Mbappe facing the team many people think he will potentially join next summer. Want more? How about PSG defender Sergio Ramos going up against his former club? Oh, Hakimi and Keylor Navas too. There is plenty of familiarity here, not to mention Real boss Carlo Ancelotti having coached PSG a decade ago. Fireworks incoming...