Milan ties for English pair
21 Dec 2007 - 11:37:01
Liverpool and Arsenal have been handed difficult clashes with Internazionale and AC Milan respectively in the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League.
Liverpool have been pitted against the reigning Italian champions and current leaders of Serie A, while the Gunners will take on last year's Champions League winners after the draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.
The Reds have only faced Inter twice before - the last time being over 40 years ago - and were handed the tricky draw after failing to qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
Arsenal also failed to top their group after losing to Sevilla and will host the European Champions at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of what promises to be a demanding tie.
Elsewhere, Manchester United were also handed a tricky draw after being paired with current French league leaders and champions of the last six seasons, Lyon.
Chelsea were drawn against Greek outfit Olympiacos in a favourable draw.
However, Celtic will take on 2006 European champions Barcelona in a mouth-watering last 16 tie.
Gordon Strachan's side have fared well in recent season against the Spanish giants after holding them to a 1-1 draw in the group stages at the Camp Nou during the 2004-05 campaign.
The first knockout round ties will take place on February 19 and 20, with the return legs on March 4 and 5.
However, Liverpool's return leg against Inter will take place one week later due to the Italian side sharing their San Siro home with AC Milan.
The full Champions League last 16 draw:
Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v FC Porto
Liverpool v Internazionale
AS Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olimpiacos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla