Leicester City have been drawn against one of the strongest Spanish side Atletico Madrid in their maiden Champions League quarter-final. The Premier League champions progressed to the last eight by thrashing title-chasers Sevilla 3-2 on aggregate.
However, the Foxes will play the first leg against last year’s beaten finalist away from home on 12 April, with the return leg on 18 April.
We're in for a treat! The #UCLdraw… pic.twitter.com/l96zXG0vDE
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 17, 2017
League holders Real Madrid face Bayern Munich, while Barcelona will take on Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund face Monaco.
“Facing a team who have reached the final in two of the past three seasons is a massive challenge but it’s just the kind of tie you expect in the quarter-finals of the Champions League,” said Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare.
“Atletico Madrid are a very good team with some fantastic individuals with experience in the competition, but we’ll be ready to give everything to progress.
“It will be a brilliant occasion for our supporters and for everyone at the club, but before the players can begin to think about these games, we have Premier League matches to come that are of huge significance to our season.
“They will be our sole focus.”
The Spanish team are the only left team teal left in the quarter-finals who the Foxes have previously played, but they have not beaten Spaniards in their four previous meetings.
Dates for the diary!#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Hk1Qhxvu1H
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 17, 2017
Diego Simeone’s side were beaten by neighbours Real Madrid on penalties in last season’s Champions League final. The 2014 Spanish champions are fourth in La Liga this season, five points adrift of third-placed Sevilla.
Full draw:
Atletico Madrid (Spain) v Leicester City (Eng)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany) v Monaco (France)
Bayern Munich (Germany) v Real Madrid (Spain)
Juventus (Italy) v Barcelona (Spain)