FC Bayern have advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals for the 17th time overall after beating Besiktas 8-1 on aggregate. The German record champions will learn the identity of their quarter-final opponents on Friday, when the draw for the last eight takes place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Just as in the last few years, heavyweights are looking to reach the final in Kyiv on 26 May.
"All the teams that have qualified belong to Europe's top class," declared chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge ahead of the match in Istanbul: "It's difficult this year as always. We shouldn't dream of a Champions League triumph but just approach it calmly and step by step." fcbayern.com surveys the Bavarians' potential opponents in Europe's premier club competition.
Real Madrid: The record Champions League winners and current holders beat FCB's group opponents Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 and 2-1, and are aiming to seal their third CL triumph in a row. It is Real's only realsitic chance of silverware this term.
FC Barcelona: Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Chelsea, Lionel Messi set Barcelona on their way to the quarter-finals by scoring after only 128 seconds of the return. The Catalans went on to win the match 3-0. The five-time CL winners and Spanish table-toppers are through to the last eight for the 11th time in a row.
Sevilla: The Spaniards have surprisingly reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their fifth Champions League campaign. The three-time Europa League winners (2014-2016) knocked out Manchester United, winning 2-1 at Old Trafford after a goalless draw in the first leg.
Manchester City: After a clear-cut 4-0 victory away to Basel the Citizens lost 2-1 at home but still eased through to the quarter-finals. The team coached by former Bayern boss Pep Guardiola are among the favourites for the title.
Liverpool: The five-time CL/European Cup winners have advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2008, beating Porto 5-0 away before a goalless draw in the return. Jürgen Klopp's men are lying fourth in the Premier League and have progressed to the last eight for the sixth time.
Juventus: The Italian record champions demonstrated all their quality and experience against Tottenham Hotspur. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg I Bianconeri downed Tottenham 2-1 in London, reaching the last eight for the 11th time.
AS Roma: Besides Juventus, Roma are the second side from Italy to make the quarter-finals. Following a 2-1 away defeat the men from the Italian capital won their home match against Shakhtar 1-0, progressing to the quarter-finals for the third time.
The quarter-final first legs will be played on 3/4 April, the second legs will be staged just a week later on 10/11 April. The semi-final draw takes place on 13 April.
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