Juicy matchups in Champions League round of 16

Real Madrid -- paired against AS Roma -- is getting the most of cagy veterans like Ruud van Nistelrooy (left) and team captain Raúl. Philippe Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images

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OK, Champions League fans -- this is when things get tasty. This is when those who complain that "things were better in the old European Cup, when it was only champions who were admitted" ought to be taken out back and ...

Or at least they need to be reminded that 20 years ago, the last 16 included Lillestroem, Gornik Zabrze and Omonia Nicosia and that, to become European champion that year, PSV Eindhoven beat just two teams -- Galatasaray and Rapid Vienna -- while scoring just two goals in its last five matches.

Is that what we want? People complain that the old European Cup was more inclusive and, to some degree, they may have a point. But in a post-Bosman world, those outside the top leagues participate in different ways. If you're Czech, you can still root for Petr Cech or Tomas Rosicky. If you're Dutch, cheer for Ruud van Nistelrooy or Clarence Seedorf -- guys who play for teams who might actually win something.

In any case, UEFA handed down its draw for the Champions League round of 16 on Friday. Here's my rundown.

Celtic vs. FC Barcelona

The parallels between these two clubs run deep, and Celtic has shown the ability to make life very, very difficult for the big boys (it certainly deserved better against AC Milan last season). The edge, nevertheless, has to go to Barça, though if Leo Messi's injury proves more serious than anticipated and if the Ronaldinho circus/controversy doesn't go away ... heck, you never know.

Lyon vs. Manchester United

It's been a tough year for OL, both domestically (despite being top of the table, Lyon has hardly impressed) and in Europe. But by the time this game rolls around, things could be rather different, particularly if Grégory Coupet is fit again and Karim Benzema continues to storm his way to the top of everyone's wish list. As for United, it has gotten the hang of this "striker-less" system thing and can hurt you in so many ways. The only minor quibble may be between the sticks, where Edwin van der Sar is beginning to show signs of age.

Schalke 04 vs. FC Porto

Schalke is another team that has struggled domestically. It's almost as if it's suffering a hangover from losing the title in the dying moments of the 2006-07 season. With Mirko Slomka in charge, it's about the team, not the individual. But look out for Manuel Neuer, one of the best young goalkeepers around. Porto, on the other hand, is running away with the Portuguese title, which means it will have plenty of time to focus on this match. With the free-scoring Lisandro López up front, Ricardo Quaresma sparking out wide and Lucho González driving the midfield, you would consider it a favorite to reach the quarterfinals.

Liverpool vs. Inter Milan

Liverpool's Rafa Benítez must be one of the most scrutinized coaches in Europe. Despite two finals in the last three years, he has to constantly explain himself -- whether it's his rotation or his use of Steven Gerrard or his tactics, there's always something. And, on top of that, he has been on a collision course with the club's owners (whose own position is looking less and less secure). Still, Liverpool's record in this competition is there for all to see. As is Inter's. Roberto Mancini's crew has soared to the top of the Serie A table with one of the deepest and most talented squads in Europe (so much so that it has weathered the long-term absences of Patrick Vieira, Olivier Dacourt and, most recently, Dejan Stankovic with ease). You do get the sense, however, that Inter will go as far as Zlatan Ibrahimovic will take it.

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