The UEFA Champions League round of 16, quarterfinal and semifinal draws took place on Friday as Europe's leading soccer competition takes its final form for this season. The top eight teams from the league phase led by Liverpool and Barcelona qualified automatically for the round of 16 while eight teams have emerged from the knockout round playoffs which are part of this year's new format.

The Champions League last-16 draw threw up some mouth-watering matches with holders Real Madrid playing local rivals Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

With crucial matches ahead, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made a bold prediction about how the La Liga title race between Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and his side will unfold.

Real Madrid host Girona needing to score the three points after Atletico and Barcelona’s wins this weekend. Los Blancos are coming off a very intense stretch of the schedule, so Ancelotti will likely make some rotations in this one.

Real Madrid faces Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu, possibly looking to catch up with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are playing before its La Liga game. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced his squad for the home game against the Blanquivermells,