Champions League Draw Produces Early Drama and One Reunion

At least, no one's accusing UEFA of chicanery such as heating or freezing balls in the bowl this time.

But still, Tottenham Hotspur and BVB Dortmund couldn't avoid each other in the first round.

Again.

For the third time in the last four seasons, these two clubs have found the fickle finger of fate tossing them together in Europe's premier club competition.

 

Coming into this year, the clubs are 2-2 against each other in Champions League play:

• Die Borussen swept Spurs -- 1-2 and 3-0 -- in 2015-2016; and
• Spurs returned the favor -- 3-1 and 1-2 -- in 2016-2017 Group H play.

 

Something like that.

What's new this time around is Dortmund is Dortmund again. Last season, der BVB was a mess and a quick turnaround was essential. They've done that, and it's shown in Champions League group play.

Dudes wrapped up Group A last week.

 

As one would expect, the Round of 16 draw featured a number of heavy, right-on, and solid matchups:

As if José Mourinho's season wasn't already bad enough, of course Manchester United would draw French powerhouse Paris St-Germain.

Bracket play doesn't begin until February, though, so you could get even odds that United won't be the Special One's problem by then.

 

Elsewhere, one of the competition favorites is Manchester City, and they're surely pleased to be paired with Dortmund's geographical rival, Schalke 04. Die Knappen -- the Miners -- are a workmanlike side that'll need to be more than on their game if they're to keep up with the high-priced Citizens.

Completing the apparently random Premiership-vs-Bundesliga trifecta is what's probably one of the Round of 16's featured clashes, Liverpool against FC Bayern.

 

Jürgen Klopp knows die Roten as well or better than any manager in Europe, and he's banking that his Reds -- combined with his familiarity -- will be up to the task.

As well as he's got the 'Pool playing this season, dude could be right.