Champions League draw: Messi battles Ronaldo in round of 16

UEFA executives are likely grinning from ear to ear right now.

The last 16 for this season's Champions League is set after Monday's draw, with another showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on tap after Paris Saint-Germain were paired with Manchester United in the standout fixture of the round.

The two megastars have previously met six times in Europe's preeminent club competition; Ronaldo had the upper hand in their last tussle 12 months ago, when he scored two penalties for Juventus in a 3-0 group stage win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Much has changed since then, of course, with the two each moving to their new clubs this past summer.

As for PSG and United, this will be their third tilt in the last four seasons. The Red Devils earned a famous victory at this stage in 2018-19, right at the beginning of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign.

In a rare draw ceremony mishap by UEFA, United - now managed by Ralf Rangnick - were initially paired with Villarreal, even though the two clubs could not meet because they emerged from the same group. After catching the mistake and reaching into the pot again, it was their local rivals, Manchester City, who ended up being coupled with the Spanish club.

Elsewhere, perennial contenders Bayern Munich will face Atletico Madrid in another eye-catching clash, while reigning champions Chelsea take on Lille in a fixture that, at least on paper, appears to be favorable for the Premier League outfit.

Here's how the draw unfolded in full:

• Benfica vs. Real Madrid
• Villarreal vs. Manchester City
• Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
• Red Bull Salzburg vs. Liverpool
• Inter Milan vs. Ajax
• Sporting CP vs. Juventus
• Chelsea vs. Lille
• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester United

The first legs are scheduled to begin Feb. 15, with the return fixtures slated to start March 8. All the group winners - listed second in their respective matchups above - will play the first legs away from home.

In a key change from previous seasons, UEFA abolished the away goals rule for the knockout stages; if ties are level after 180 minutes, they'll go to extra time, regardless of which team has scored more away goals.

This season's Champions League final will be played on May 28 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.