Ecuador will keep their place at the 2022 World Cup after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in their favour on Tuesday, following attempts from Chile and Peru to have them thrown out of the tournament.
Chile and Peru appealed to FIFA after discovering Ecuador had used ineligible right-back Byron Castillo in their successful qualification campaign.
The Federacion de Futbol de Chile (ANPF) provided proof that Castillo was born in Colombia and not Ecuador, as stated on his official documents.
FIFA dismissed all charges in June and again in September when the fresh evidence came to light, but Chile and Peru took the case to CAS with a further appeal.
However, the hearing on November 4 and 5 adjudged that "no violation of the rules on eligibility has occurred", leaving Ecuador free to compete in Qatar later this month.
Ecuador will, however, be deducted three points in qualifying for the 2026 tournament after being found to have used false information to obtain a passport for a Colombian-born player.
The South American nation, who face hosts Qatar in the opening game of the tournament on November 20, must also pay a fine of 100,000 Swiss Francs ($101,605).
In a statement released on their official website after the verdict was delivered, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) suggested they may themselves appeal those sanctions.
"The Ecuadorian Football Federation is analysing the next steps to follow, since it does not share the sanction imposed," the statement read.
Castillo appeared eight times in qualifying for Ecuador, including in both of their two meetings with Chile, but he did not play in either game against Peru.
Chile argued Ecuador should forfeit the games Castillo played in, having finished fourth in CONMEBOL's qualification group, while Peru felt they should have replaced Ecuador in Qatar as they finished fifth.
With only four teams qualifying automatically, Peru instead dropped into the intercontinental play-offs and were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Australia following a goalless draw.
Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are the other nations representing CONMEBOL at the global showpiece event, which runs until December 18.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is "a mistake".
Blatter was in charge of football's world governing body in 2010 when the Gulf nation was controversially selected to stage the upcoming tournament.
The build-up to the showpiece, which begins on November 20, has been dominated by concerns over the treatment of workers and laws that criminalise same-sex relations.
Blatter, who was cleared of fraud charges by a Swiss court earlier this year over financial misconduct allegations, maintains he never personally voted for Qatar to hold the event.
"The choice of Qatar was a mistake," he said in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
"At the time, we actually agreed in the executive committee that Russia should get the 2018 World Cup and the USA that of 2022.
"It would have been a gesture of peace if the two long-standing political opponents had hosted the World Cup one after the other.
"[Qatar] is too small a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for that."
Amid a backdrop of political unrest in the build-up to Qatar 2022, FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week urged the 32 competing nations to focus solely on football matters.
"We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world," FIFA's letter read.
"At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world.
"One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity."
Qatar has been transformed over the past 12 years in preparation for the event, but Blatter – who led FIFA for 17 years – says it should be held elsewhere.
"I can only repeat: the award to Qatar was a mistake, and I was responsible for that as president at the time," he said.
"Now that the World Cup is imminent, I'm glad that, with a few exceptions, no footballers are boycotting the World Cup. For me it is clear: Qatar is a mistake. The choice was bad."
Phil Neville says it is "hypothetical" to discuss the prospect of Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami.
Messi is only under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season and the mercurial forward has been strongly linked with a move to Miami.
Barcelona are also said to be keen to bring Messi back to Camp Nou in what would be a sensational return to a club he made a tearful farewell to in August 2021.
Inter head coach Neville, who signed a new contract on Monday, spoke of his admiration for Messi but refused to be drawn on speculation that he could move to Major League Soccer.
Asked about the possibility of signing Messi, the former Manchester United defender said: "I think that's hypothetical really. The best player in the world, I'm looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players.
"We actually let him inside our house about five, six weeks ago, when Argentina were here. I watched all the sessions to see those great players on our pitch one and pitch two. It was something really special for the club.
"And I think when you talk about characters, when you talk about humility, when you talk about the right type of people, that Argentinian squad and staff were absolutely incredible. Incredible towards our football club.
"We had a little scrimmage against them, the MLS 2 [MLS Next Pro] side, you obviously saw the pictures of their players signing autographs; signing arms, signing legs, signing shoes. It was just the most incredible week.
"I think we're really lucky here. We've had Barcelona here, we've had Argentina here, we've got the US national women's team here now, some of the players are training out there now. It's brilliant for this football club, and it shows the level of facility that we've got.
"I'm not going to speculate on any kind of transfer activity, but what I would say is that is exactly the type of character that I saw in that week, that those Argentinian players were a credit to their country, and to their profession."
Inter sporting director Chris Henderson also gave little away when quizzed about potentially bringing Messi to Florida.
He said: "I knew Messi would come up. It's great to be connected with amazing players and our club connected with that. I don't want to comment on someone who's not on our roster and speculation and rumours.
"But obviously, one of the greatest players to ever play the game. As far as the roster and what we're looking to improve for going for next year. I think continuing to look for players who are good in possession under pressure in the final third."
Henderson added: "Messi on any team in the world is going to change that team. I don't want to speculate and talk about him on our team, but he changes every league, every team that he plays for."
Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are reportedly keeping a close eye on Lille striker Jonathan David when he heads to the World Cup later this month to represent Canada.
David, 22, is enjoying a breakout season in Ligue 1, netting nine goals in 14 games as he begins to fulfil the potential that saw him become the most expensive Canadian transfer in history when he was purchased for €30million from Gent as a 20-year-old.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports News he made it clear he envisions his future being somewhere other than France, and with a strong performance at the World Cup, he could get his wish as soon as January.
TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS KEEPING AN EYE ON CANADA STAR
In that Sky Sports News interview, David said "every player wants to play for a massive club in their life – I think if I had the chance to do it, I'll go for it for sure".
That is becoming more of a reality every day, according to a report from GiveMeSport, which names Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton as interested parties, while saying Manchester United could throw their hat in the ring if they like what they see in Qatar.
His price tag is expected to exceed €40m as a starting point, but that figure could skyrocket if he catches the eye in Qatar.
Another report from 90min adds that Arsenal are prepared to spend in the January window as they pursue their first Premier League title since 2003, potentially putting them in the box seat.
ROUND-UP
– According to Portuguese publication A Bola, Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing 25-year-old Porto winger Pepe, who has a €75m release clause in his contract.
– Sky Italy is reporting Chelsea's odds of landing Rafael Leao have improved as his contract negotiations with Milan make little progress.
– Manchester United have made Borussia Dortmund's 19-year-old England midfielder Jude Bellingham their top target, and expect him to cost €150m, per Sky Germany.
– Meanwhile, Marca report Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group will sign Bellingham for €100m as a "parting gift" before selling the club.
– According to Sport Bild, 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund prospect Youssoufa Moukoko is holding off on signing a new contract that will pay him €5m per year due to interest being shown from Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti refused to blame the officials after Real Madrid's 3-2 loss at Rayo Vallecano, putting Monday's defeat down to a "bad game".
Oscar Trejo scored the winner for Roya with a retaken second-half penalty, converted after the VAR penalised Dani Carvajal for encroachment, to condemn Madrid to their first defeat in LaLiga this season.
Los Blancos trail Barcelona by two points at the top-flight summit after just their second loss to Rayo in 21 league games.
Madrid are also without a win in their last two LaLiga outings after a 1-1 draw with Girona and coach Ancelotti acknowledged his side struggled at Vallecas.
"We knew they played like that, they were more forceful than us in the duels. It was a bad game, that's it," the Italian said.
"It cost us. We had to change our strategy and we didn't. Then, in the duels, we lost a lot when we were not capable of being as forceful as our opponent.
"Vinicius [Junior] missed two or three shots that he normally scores. [Marco] Asensio has done well. It hasn't been a good game for us."
Madrid profited from a touchline review in the first half, with referee Juan Martinez Munuera deeming Asensio to have been felled by Fran Garcia inside the area before Luka Modric converted to equalise following Santiago Comesana's opener.
But Ancelotti's side were on the receiving end of overturned decisions in the second half after referee Munuera again consulted the screen to give a penalty for handball against Carvajal for Trejo's winner.
Despite the contentious decision for the winning goal, Ancelotti insisted he had no complaints towards Munuera as he acknowledged the role the VAR can play in the decisions.
Asked about the referee, Ancelotti said: "I have no opinion, none. VAR is involved in these things.
"We lacked freshness and it's normal after so many games... We have to make an evaluation of this first part of the season, we've done well.
"We're in the Champions League last 16 and we're doing well in LaLiga."
Madrid host Cadiz on Thursday in their final game before the November break for the World Cup in Qatar.
Thibaut Courtois expressed his frustration at Real Madrid conceding "too many silly goals" after falling to their first LaLiga defeat of the season in a 3-2 loss at Rayo Vallecano.
Santiago Comesana netted a fifth-minute opener on Monday against Madrid, who have kept just two clean sheets in their first 13 LaLiga games, their lowest tally at this stage of a season since 2013-14.
Luka Modric's penalty and Eder Militao's header gave Madrid the lead before Alvaro Garcia's first-half equaliser, and Carlo Ancelotti's side were left frustrated by a contentious Oscar Trejo winner after the interval.
Trejo scored a retaken penalty after Dani Carvajal was penalised for encroachment following Courtois' initial spot-kick save, but the Madrid goalkeeper acknowledged his side were far from their best after the defeat.
"Rayo are having a great season, we knew it was going to be difficult, and we weren't up to the task in the first half," the Belgium international said.
"We conceded too many silly goals, due to mistakes or not being 100 per cent in the match.
"Then the penalty, bad luck. The referee told me that because of Carvajal, that's what they told him in the VAR, that he gets into the area earlier.
"Then I wanted to stay in the centre, but I threw myself and I had a better corner than the one I stopped. It's a shame, I saved the penalty and in the end everything changes. I hope it's our only defeat in LaLiga.
"With so many games, it may be normal that we are tired. The draw against Girona was more bad luck. Today was not our best day and Rayo played well."
While Courtois refused to criticise referee Juan Martinez Munuera, Madrid team-mate Lucas Vazquez questioned why the VAR and officials have not been as "rigorous" in other games this season.
"It was a complicated game, they got ahead very quickly, and although we turned it around, they equalised again and that hurt us," Vazquez said.
"It was difficult for us to find our football, and Rayo is a complicated team that today has been very good.
"But they [the referee and the VAR] send Trejo to shoot again and in other games they don't, they should always be just as rigorous."
Madrid trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by two points and host Cadiz on Thursday in their last game before the World Cup break.
Oscar Trejo scored the winner with a contentious second-half penalty as Real Madrid missed the chance to return to the LaLiga summit after falling to a 3-2 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.
Carlo Ancelotti's side trail leaders Barcelona by two points after losing at Vallecas, where referee Juan Martinez Munuera and the VAR played a significant part on Monday.
Luka Modric's penalty and an Eder Militao header had put Madrid into the lead after Santiago Comesana's opener, before Alvaro Garcia equalised during a breathless first half.
Yet there was to be more drama when Dani Carvajal was deemed to have encroached as Thibaut Courtois saved a 67th-minute penalty from Trejo, who converted the retake to secure victory.
Comesana fired Rayo into a fifth-minute lead after angling a first-time left-footed shot past Courtois following Fran Garcia's whipped left-wing cross.
Martínez Munuera gave a 37th-minute penalty to Madrid after consulting the touchline monitor following a tangle of legs that saw Marco Asensio felled by Fran Garcia, with Modric coolly converting down the middle from the spot.
Militao directed a header into the bottom-left corner from Asensio's inswinging corner to give Madrid the lead, only for Alvaro Garcia to power a left-footed strike past Courtois to equalise three minutes later.
Courtois saved Trejo's penalty after Carvajal was adjudged to have handled in the second half – again following a review of the touchline monitor – but the Madrid right-back was penalised for encroachment, allowing the Rayo midfielder to find the bottom-right corner at the second attempt.
That was to prove the winner, although Madrid almost salvaged a draw when Rodrygo spurned a glorious 89th-minute chance, turning over Asensio's centre.
What does it mean? Madrid slip up again
With Liverpool confirmed as their next Champions League opponents in the last 16, reigning European and Spanish champions Madrid will have to improve both domestically and on the continent after faltering in back-to-back LaLiga games.
A 1-1 draw against Girona coupled with only Rayo's second win against Madrid in 21 LaLiga attempts will leave Ancelotti much to ponder with a game to go before November's World Cup break.
Andoni Iraola will have much to celebrate, though, despite his second-half dismissal for dissent, after Rayo won three league games in a row for just a second time under his stewardship.
Classy Comesana
Comesana appeared to be everywhere for Rayo against Madrid, scoring the opening goal with a coolly taken finish that belied his defensive-midfield position.
The Rayo man was a dominant force in the middle of the park as well, though, creating three chances and regaining possession eight times – both game-leading figures in just 79 minutes.
Defensive issues for Madrid
Madrid often relied on late fightbacks on their way to Champions League and LaLiga glory last season, perhaps masking their defensive issues.
But Los Blancos have come unstuck this term after keeping just two clean sheets in their first 13 LaLiga games, their lowest tally at this stage of a season since 2013-14 – also under Ancelotti.
What's next?
Madrid host Cadiz on Thursday in their last game before the World Cup break, while Rayo are at home to Celta Vigo on the same day.
South American football confederation CONMEBOL has backed FIFA and called for participating nations to "leave controversies behind" ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
The decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar has attracted renewed criticism on the eve of the tournament, with critics focusing on the host country's criminalisation of same-sex relationships and the conditions faced by migrant workers.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura recently wrote to all 32 nations participating in Qatar, requesting they "focus on the football".
That letter led Amnesty International to accuse organisers of brushing human rights concerns "under the carpet", while a UEFA working group of 10 European nations responded by stressing the need to "support human rights".
CONMEBOL issued a statement of its own on Monday, outlining a belief in the need for "unity in support" of the tournament.
"CONMEBOL and its 10 member associations join the call for world football unity in support of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," the statement began.
"A country eager to show its hospitality and warmth, magnificent sports venues and 32 prepared teams with their greatest potential, ensure a tournament that will undoubtedly go down in history.
"As few times in history, human society today needs the powerful message of sport in general and football, the most popular of them, in particular.
"This message is powerful because it is universal, it goes far beyond political or ideological disputes, temporary disagreements and occasional confrontations. It is a message full of optimism, tolerance, inclusion, diversity, union.
"The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is the best opportunity to consolidate the values on which football is founded.
"This is especially so in the new generations, in girls, boys and young people, who hope and seek that football is not tarnished or distorted with biased or partial visions.
"The time has come to leave controversies behind and value and enjoy a true all-embracing party, eagerly awaited by the entire planet."
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain believes they face a difficult task in the last 16 of the Champions League after drawing RB Leipzig.
Pep Guardiola's men will take on the Bundesliga side in the knockout stages next February, having faced them twice in the group stages last term.
On that occasion, City opened their European campaign with a 6-3 rout at the Etihad Stadium, before losing the reverse fixture 2-1 at the Red Bull Arena.
Having dodged heavyweight foes such as Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, City have theoretically one of the easier ties on paper, but Begiristain says they will not take their opponent lightly.
"Leipzig are not new ones in this competition - they are doing an unbelievable job," he said. "They are in Europe, always, and they are fighting us in the last 16. They are growing as a club and growing as a project.
"This is German football - very open, box-to-box, which we don't like too much, because we like to have the control. It's going to be difficult, this kind of football.
“We are going to meet old friends - we played last season against them. They were very open games, and we can be sure they will be very attractive games."
In comparison to their rivals, City have indeed been handed a kind draw, with Liverpool facing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich squaring up with Paris Saint-Germain.
With possibly two of the last four tournament winners set to miss out on the quarter-finals, Begiristain feels it shows the increased competition within the Champions League.
"Some big names and big clubs are already out - some of them are now not playing in Europe because they were last in the group," he noted.
"It shows how difficult it is in this competition. Everyone has to respect their opponent in this competition and that is what we try to do.
"Liverpool and Real Madrid are two unbelievable clubs, and they were two of the candidates to win, but one will be out.
"But still the ones who are there in the quarter-finals are going to deserve to be there. We want to be one of them."
Dani Alves will become Brazil's oldest World Cup star after earning a recall for Qatar 2022, while Roberto Firmino has missed out on Tite's final squad, with Gabriel Martinelli preferred.
Alves is now 39 and made his international debut in 2006, but he is heading to his third World Cup this year.
The former Barcelona right-back will make Selecao history, with Djalma Santos – 37 at the 1966 World Cup – previously their oldest player at a finals.
Alves is not necessarily a hugely popular choice, but Tite responded to the veteran's critics.
"I didn't come here to please people on Twitter, which I don't even know what percentage of the Brazilian people represents," the coach said.
"I respect differing opinions and I'm not here to convince everyone. I just want to give information so that people democratically form their own opinion.
"Now, everyone has their opinion and everyone has my respect."
Alves' inclusion was the standout news from Tite's squad announcement on Monday, although the coach also had a big call to make in attack.
Arsenal pair Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus each made the cut, but Liverpool's Firmino did not due to the wealth of alternative options at Tite's disposal.
Firmino does not return after being named in the Brazil squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, although nine members of that group are included again.
Alisson and Ederson remain among the goalkeepers, while defenders Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Danilo all return.
Manchester United pair Fred and Casemiro are unsurprising choices in midfield, as Neymar again joins Jesus up front amid a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain.
Brazil World Cup squad in full:
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus), Dani Alves (UNAM), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea); Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham); Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
Reggae Girlz captain Bunny Shaw scored her seventh goal in six league matches this season as Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners against Reading in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.
Two own goals in the second half by Emma Munkandi in the 53rd and 60th minutes had City comfortably on their way to their fourth straight victory before Shaw buried a header in the 76th minute to seal all three points.
In the match played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading, Manchester City was wasteful in front of the goal. Shaw was guilty of a bad miss on the stroke of half-time when she headed a cross, miles over the Reading goal.
However, she made amends in the second half when she connected on a Mary Fowler cross to head past goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns.
In truth, City should have won by a more considerable margin, having taken control of the game from the opening whistle. The Citizens dominated possession with 77 per cent of the ball while unleashing 19 shots at goal, five of which were on target.
The win moves City up to fourth on 12 points, three behind Manchester United and six back of Chelsea, which has played a game more.
Arsenal leads the league with 18 points from six games this season following their 4-0 victory Leicester City.
Barcelona boss Xavi says "not much is going to change" following Gerard Pique's retirement, with the Blaugrana squad prepared to play their part in filling the void left behind by the defender.
The veteran centre-back abruptly announced his retirement from the professional game last week, before bowing out on a winning note with a 2-0 victory in LaLiga over Almeria.
Pique departed in the 84th minute to a standing ovation, bringing the curtain down on a near-decade-and-a-half stay with the club, where he originally began as a junior before moving to Manchester United.
Asked how Barca intended to alter their side following his exit, Xavi was adamant there would be little difference within the team, noting they will pull together to counter his absence.
"Not much is going to change," he stated. "Everyone has their leading role in the team.
"We're going to miss Gerard but [the departure of long-term players] has always happened. When somebody has left, the rest have been relocated."
Elsewhere, Xavi further touched on the form of Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, two wingers with contrasting fortunes this term at Camp Nou.
The Brazilian, signed from Leeds United ahead of the campaign, has yielded only one goal in a dozen LaLiga appearances, while the Frenchman looks to have rediscovered his form with four in 13 top-flight games, along with five assists.
On Raphinha, Xavi added: "He has total confidence on our part. Sometimes things don't turn out the way you want, but you have to keep working. We believe in him a lot, and I'm sure the goals will come.
"As for Dembele, he's making a difference. His numbers have changed. He is being important, and he is feeling that way too.
"He is happy, and he has grown a lot. He lacks consistency, but because of his talent and skill, he has everything to be the best in the world."
Manuel Neuer has left the door open to representing Germany at another World Cup after this year's tournament in Qatar.
The goalkeeper, who won the Golden Glove at Brazil 2014 eight years ago with four clean sheets over seven games, looks set to play in his fourth edition later this month.
The Bayern Munich man has recovered from a shoulder injury, and is expected to be included in Hansi Flick's squad for Qatar 2022.
But Neuer has refused to rule out appearing at a fifth tournament, at the 2026 World Cup, when he will be 40 years old, keeping the door open for his international future.
"You never know. I assume that it will be the last World Cup for me, but it doesn't have to be like that," he told Sports Illustrated.
"I'm not afraid to say that we want to be world champions. We know that many nations want that. Many things play a role, but we need the right momentum."
The upcoming tournament will be the first at which Germany have not been led by Joachim Low since 2006, with his former assistant Flick taking the reins since.
Neuer enjoys a close relationship with the coach, having won the Champions League in 2020 under him, and believes his man management skills are a particular asset.
"After his time with the national team, we were always in contact and exchanged ideas. It's important to me that you can say everything to his face openly and honestly," the goalkeeper added.
"That's what I like about [Flick]. I don't have to mince my words and can be honest, even if I think that he didn't do something very well. I don't treat him any differently than I would a player, I can just throw my opinion out there."
Meanwhile, Neuer will be one of eight European captains – including England's Harry Kane – to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband as part of the OneLove campaign in Qatar, protesting against discrimination in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised.
The goalkeeper highlighted the importance of displaying unity through that gesture, adding: "The last European Championship took place during the Pride month of June, and within many European teams we decided we have to set an example.
"Like in the round of 16 against England, when we supported each other, we went along with the Englishmen on their knees [against racism]. Harry Kane, like me, wore the rainbow armband.
"That's how the European national teams came up with the idea of showing our flag together in Qatar. We want to demonstrate this diversity and freedom together.
"We don't hide ourselves with 'OneLove', even if we were accused of it not being a rainbow flag [on the armband].
"We are acting even more united, and are showing the sense of unity that not only one nation is committed but that we are doing this together."
Barcelona will face Manchester United in their return to the Europa League after the Blaugrana were drawn against the Premier League club in the knockout round play-offs.
Xavi's side dropped into Europe's second-tier competition for the second season running after failing to progress from the Champions League group stages, finishing behind Bayern Munich and Inter.
It sets up the outstanding tie with Erik ten Hag's United, who are looking to end a trophy drought stretching back to when they last won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
United came second to Real Sociedad in the Europa League group stage, ultimately missing out to La Real by one goal.
They have paid the price for their failure in that regard, with Barca arguably the toughest draw they could possibly get and La Real already through to the competition's last 16.
Joining Barca in dropping down from the Champions League are Juventus, though they will likely be much more content with their draw after being paired with Ligue 1 side Nantes.
Europa League knockout round play-offs:
Barcelona v Manchester United
Juventus v Nantes
Sporting CP v Midtjylland
Shakhtar Donetsk v Rennes
Ajax v Union Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen v Monaco
Sevilla v PSV
Salzburg v Roma
Real Madrid and Liverpool will contest a repeat of last season's Champions League final during the round of 16 following Monday's draw.
Madrid reached the knockout stages as Group F winners, an outcome they will have been hoping would secure them a favourable tie.
But by being paired with Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti's men were given arguably the hardest draw possible in what will be a repeat of the 2021-22 and 2017-18 finals.
There will also be a replay of the 2019-20 showpiece between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Die Roten prevented PSG from winning their first continental crown that year, with revenge on the cards for the Parisians early next year.
Chelsea, winners most recently in 2021, will go up against the youthful Borussia Dortmund, while Manchester City – beaten finalists last year – are also due to tussle with Bundesliga opposition in RB Leipzig.
Antonio Conte faces a return to his homeland and San Siro as Tottenham prepare to duel with Italian champions Milan, while Serie A leaders Napoli – who won their group ahead of Liverpool – will fancy their chances against Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt.
Last-16 draw in full:
RB Leipzig v Manchester City
Club Brugge v Benfica
Liverpool v Real Madrid
Milan v Tottenham
Eintracht Frankfurt v Napoli
Borussia Dortmund v Chelsea
Inter v Porto
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
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