Champions League 2016 schedule, preview: Barcelona to play first leg of knockout phase

The Round of 16 in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League continues with the past two champions in the competition, Barcelona and Real Madrid, preparing to play their first games in the round. 

In the first day of the knockout stage last Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica bagged home the victory in their opening matches. 

Wikimedia Commons/Chris Deahr

PSG topped Chelsea 2–1 to put the pressure on the reigning Premier League champions who are currently having an improved performance, while Benfica edged Zenit Saint Petersburg, 1–0. 

Real Madrid, who were 2014–15 champions, will play the first leg of their Round 16 matchup visiting AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico today, Feb. 17, at 2:45 p.m. EST 

Along with Real and Roma squaring off, K.A.A. Gent and VfL Wolfsburg will also try to capture the first game of their matchup at Ghelamco Arena, also at 2:45 p.m. EST. 

Following the games today, the Champions League Round of 16 will take a break and resume on Tuesday, Feb. 23, when Barcelona face the true task of trying to defend their title.

Barca collide with Arsenal for their Round of 16 matchup and the first leg will be held at the Emirates Stadium also on Feb. 23 at 2:45 p.m. EST. 

Along with the current Champions League victors being featured on Tuesday, last season's runners-up will also begin their knockout round on the same day. Juventus, who fell to Barcelona 3–1 last season, will open their path to the title by hosting Bayern Munich at the Juventus Stadium also at 2:45 p.m. ET of the same date.  

The final day for the first leg matches of the Round of 16 is on Wednesday, Feb. 24, with the last four teams aiming to gain the upper hand as the competition continues. 

Group D leaders Manchester City head to Ukraine to clash with Dynamo Kiev at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex.