‘El Madrigal’ trip for Panathinaikos

By: Peter Katsiris | December 19th, 2008

In what was a very competitive draw featuring many high-calibre clubs in both pots, Panathinaikos was handed a tricky task when the Athenian giants were paired with Spanish side Villarreal as one of the eight Round of 16 ties featuring top sides from across Europe.

The tie between the Greeks and the Spaniards wasn’t the most intriguing pairing selected on this next night, as the likes of traditional European clubs were drawn against each other as a result of a topsy-turvy group stage.

While Panathinaikos tackles Villarreal, Premier League giants Chelsea will encounter Champions League returnees Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon will meet German Champions Bayern Munich. Atletico Madrid meets neighbouring Portugal’s FC Porto, while Ligue 1 champions face the daunting task of tackling Barcelona. Two of Europe’s most successful clubs will also meet as Real Madrid and Liverpool lock horns in Spain before heading to Anfield. Arsenal face finale hosts AS Roma in one of three Premier League vs. Serie A matchups. The third features Inter Milan and defending champions Manchester United.

The European calendar does not resume until late February, but when it does, Panathinaikos will find itself on the road to Spain to face Villarreal at the El Madrigal for the first leg. The return will be played at the OAKA Spiro Louis Stadium in Athens a fortnight later.

2008/09 UEFA Champions League
First knockout round – to be played 24/25 February and 10/11 March
Team named first at home in first leg

Chelsea FC (England) v Juventus (Italy)
Villarreal CF (Spain) v Panathinaikos FC (Greece)
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FC Bayern München (Germany)
Club Atlético de Madrid (Spain) v FC Porto (POR)
Olympique Lyonnais (France) v FC Barcelona (Spain)
Real Madrid CF (Spain) v Liverpool FC (England)
Arsenal FC (England) v AS Roma (Italy)
FC Internazionale Milano (Italy) v Manchester United FC (England)