Romania’s champion faces Olympique Lyon in Round of 16
Romania’s champion has learned their opponent for the Round of 16. The Bucharest side will face Olympique Lyon from France, with the first leg to take place at the National Arena.
The seven-time French champions are coached by Portuguese Paulo Fonseca, and according to Transfermarkt, the entire squad is valued at nearly 219 million euros. Valued at 30 million euros, Rayan Cherki is the standout star of the Lyon team. The 21-year-old footballer can play as a right-winger, left-winger, or as an attacking midfielder. Other key players include midfielders Corentin Tolisso and Nemanja Matic, and forwards Georges Mikautadze and Alexandre Lacazette. OL returns to Romania’s capital after a 17-and-a-half-year absence. In the fall of 2008, the former French champions defeated Steaua Bucharest 5-3 in a Champions League group-stage match. The first leg will be held in Bucharest on March 6, with the return leg scheduled for March 13 at Groupama Stadium in Lyon.
The headline clash in the Round of 16 features AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao. The two teams have faced off only once in European competitions. That occurred in this edition’s unique group stage, with the match at the Stadio Olimpico ending in a 1-1 draw.
Manchester United faces a tough opponent. The "Red Devils" will take on Real Sociedad San Sebastián, with the first leg set to be held in Spain.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
