Chapter 294: Round of 16 Matchup Results Out (Everyday Transition)

The incident of Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League group stage continues to escalate.

Relevant authorities pointed out: not only Champions League prize money and broadcast revenue, but all of the club's income will drop significantly.

Subsequent Champions League ticket revenue, advertising income from the Nou Camp Champions League home ground, and bonus clauses tied to brand sponsors... all gone.

Reputation damaged.

Commercial value sharply shrunk.

Some players' transfer-market values have plummeted to a low point.

Fans flooded online platforms joking: In the coming years, if Barcelona faces Li Kang in the Champions League again, will they be kicked into bankruptcy?

By contrast, Arsenal... they won more than just a match.

Li Kang from the Battle of Gods has become a new synonym for traffic.

Barcelona meeting room.

Club executives launched into a heated discussion.

"Enrique can't leave; his reform direction has no problems. We must give him a bit more time, see a person's strengths... Enrique loves interacting with fans online!"

"He perfected Barcelona's set-piece tactics!"

"We need to give him a bit more time; tactical reform cannot be abandoned halfway!"

Two hours later.

Barcelona's official website posted a notice: "Goodbye! Enrique bids farewell to Nou Camp."

The comment section's formation is extremely uniform.

"Two hundred million and one million."

The next day.

Compared to Barcelona's turmoil, the Colney Training Base remains as calm as ever.

The 7-1 victory seemed almost magical; the injured players' physical and mental conditions were fine, and many had already returned to the pitch for simple recovery training.

After Li Kang finished training, Maguire pulled him aside to talk about the season's final showdown.

Old Maguire also produced an estimated starting lineup.

"Li, you don't always have to clean up after me in the next match."

"That guy called Lukaku, I can shut him down all by myself!"

"To me, his threat isn't even as great as Crystal Palace's Benteke."

"He's 1.92 meters tall, weighs only 180 pounds, yet fears confrontation—only dares to bully full-backs. What kind of little monster is that? Um... where should you point your fingers? Are you saying to watch out for that kid Buckley? I've faced him before; you can relax the back line..."

Mertens and Koscielny haven't fully recovered yet, but Maguire, who earned a starting spot, is preparing very actively.

But before they finished speaking, their exchange was interrupted by Boerde's shout.

"Li, get ready to change clothes!"

"We're about to set off!"

Switzerland, Nyon.

Media reporters had set up their cameras.

Security personnel formed two lines, standing ready outside the cordon.

Several business vehicles emblazoned with the Champions League logo sped over!

The crowd began to stir!

"Lee!"

"!"

"Messi!"

"!"

Many tourists who came out of curiosity didn't even realize Barcelona had been eliminated.

Security remained highly vigilant.

The business vehicles pulled up at the entrance of UEFA headquarters.

Sarri and Jorginho stepped out of the car and walked slowly onto the carpet.

The fame of the Napoli master-and-apprentice duo seemed low... the previously restless crowd instantly calmed, even the cameras grew lazy.

However,

still a small group of fans offered applause.

Since Sarri took charge of Napoli, European football has gained an aggressive force skilled at vertical strikes!

Neutral fans will be obsessed with the Lightning Army's deadly trio.

Home fans will dislike Jorginho's distribution speed.

"Li! It's Li!"

In the lobby.

Jorginho excitedly darted up to Li Kang.

Gesturing with his fingers, he fired off a rapid string of words.

"Li, I often watch your matches!"

"Van Gaal even called me last season! He said I might have a chance to form a new midfield partnership with you..."

"He said you're the best fit to assist my ball distribution... the new generation of Pirlo and Gattuso—did Van Gaal tell you that?"

He was excited and about to say more when his own coach cut him off.

"Mind your social boundaries, don't disturb Li!"

"I really don't want to draw Arsenal in the round of sixteen."

Everybody burst out laughing.

The Naples head coach wasn't as stern as before; instead, he squeezed a smile at Li Kang and led Jorginho away.

Wenger watched the other's back, smiling and shaking his head.

He stayed up late studying the basic tactical frameworks of all opponents in the Champions League round of 16.

This season, Naples still can threaten Juventus's dominance in Serie A.

Arsenal isn't afraid of the opponent's vertical attacking system, but after two legs they'll definitely be skinned... If they could draw a team like Mönchengladbach's style, it would be much easier.

The reception staff warmly came forward to greet them.

Guiding the Arsenal contingent toward the venue.

The rules for the round of 16 draw are simply summarized as follows:

1. Group winners face group runners-up;

For example, Arsenal will not be drawn against another group winner like Naples.

2. Teams from the same group and same association will not meet;

For example, Arsenal will not encounter fellow Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City, nor will they encounter Monaco from the same group.

3. Two-legged tie format with home and away legs.

For example, if Arsenal draws Bayern Munich, they will play one leg at the Allianz Arena and one at the Emirates Stadium; if the aggregate score is level, the away goals rule applies; if away goals are also level, extra time is played; if still undecided, it goes to a penalty shootout.

Entered the venue.

Wenger and Li Kang made a "CALL" gesture, then walked toward the club representatives' seats.

Li Kang held his number placard and found his seat.

Again, it was the front row.

Beside him were Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo again!

"Li, long time no see."

"Do you know? Juventus fans really like you; they often leave messages on my social media asking about your possible transfer... I replied that I might not live to see that day!"

"Haha, just joking."

Buffon smiled warmly, stood up, and patted Li Kang on the shoulder.

Cristiano Ronaldo also couldn't help smiling at those words, but when he felt their gazes on him, he immediately straightened his face.

Hum.

He hasn't forgotten the European Championship final.

He simply nodded, counting that as a greeting.

Buffon chuckled: "Li, he wasn't so stingy before."

Cristiano Ronaldo almost couldn't keep his stern expression...

But then.

He didn't get to see Lionel Messi's presence at this event.

He felt empty inside, as if something was missing.

The number of people entering kept increasing.

Li Kang saw many familiar faces: Robins, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kylian Mbappé, Thomas Müller, Miralem Pjanić... plus the coaching staff at the club representatives' seats, with Coach Tuop still as talkative as ever...

The Champions League anthem suddenly stopped.

Master of ceremonies Pedro Pinto, wearing a pink suit, trotted up onto the main stage in quick steps!

He mumbled a bunch of lines.

The platitudes made everyone drowsy; the scattered applause seemed to urge him to shut up quickly.

After a long while.

The lights dimmed.

A few staff members carried two large tables and quickly set up the venue.

When the lights came back on.

A young woman, holding two transparent glass containers, slowly walked toward the main stage, each container holding eight mini footballs.

Li Kang thought she looked a bit familiar.

It was Ai si li again!

Buffon covered his mouth and smirked: "This little girl will surely sneak a peek at you again this year!"

Li Kang nodded seriously.

Just as Juventus's goalkeeper had anticipated: Ai si li set down the glass containers, furtively scanned the player representatives' seats with her gaze, then her cheeks flushed, she lowered her head with a faint smile and exited from the side stage.

Immediately after.

The two senior UEFA officials went on stage and droned on with platitudes for a long time.

It was like a lullaby.

It made everyone drowsy.

After a long while.

Two tall, imposing figures appeared on the main stage, breaking the monotony and bringing the draw ceremony's atmosphere to a climax!

Thunderous applause!

Didier Drogba!

Thierry Henry!

These two were exactly the guests for this Champions League round of 16 draw ceremony!

"The draw ceremony is about to begin!"

The coaches' representative seats

Tuopu Laotou couldn't help but feel nervous, adjusted his sitting posture a few times, then stared fixedly at Benfica's head coach.

Benfica's head coach twitched the corner of his mouth: "Does Lewokusen think we're the soft eggplant in the group? Do I have any use? Just looking at me could get Benfica drawn?"

Pochettino's expression was solemn.

Tuchel remained unfazed.

Wenger's smile was brighter than in previous years.

Guardiola kept writing and doodling on the draft paper, detached from the proceedings.

Simeone was eager to try.

Ancelotti crossed his arms over his chest, giving the impression: "Just going through the motions, whoever we draw is the same!"

Zidane didn't seem very eager for the draw result.

Real Madrid's head coach kept glancing toward the players' representative seats.

The draw ceremony officially began.

Drogba never dilly-dallies.

With a strong arm, he reached out and grabbed a fragile little ball.

Pop!

He accidentally squeezed it until it burst!

The venue instantly burst into laughter.

Drogba, embarrassed, scratched his head, then immediately unfolded the slip inside and held it up to the camera.

"Atlético!"

On the other side.

Henry took out a small ball.

"Mönchengladbach!"

The first matchup is set: Atlético versus Mönchengladbach!

The live stream.

Comments flooded the screen.

-【I think this match will be a huge upset!】

-【Can I get to see a Champions League match: Bayern vs. Mönchengladbach!】

-【No way it'll be an upset; Atlético were Champions League runners-up last season!】

Henry's feelings were somewhat complicated.

He and Wenger shared a father‑son bond, together creating the Premier League's invincible myth.

Although he often criticized Wenger on TV...

But he still hoped Arsenal's Champions League journey would be a little easier.

This year, no matter what, we have to draw... Damn, why do all these runners‑up look so formidable?

As the mini footballs were split open one by one.

The Champions League round of 16 matchups were revealed one after another.

Benfica versus Napoli!

Manchester City versus Monaco!

Leicester City versus Lyon!

At that moment.

Tuopu Laotou wore a worried frown.

All the soft persimmons have been squeezed.

The remaining opponents are all tough nuts.

When the fifth draw result came out.

The crowd erupted.

Real Madrid versus Paris Saint‑Ger­man!

Emery struggled to maintain his coachly dignity.

Zidane laughed and shook his head.

-【Is UEFA trying to eliminate Real Madrid this year?】

-【Come on, Paris Saint‑Ger­man can't stop Real Madrid.】

-【Mars colliding with Earth! A high‑quality clash previewing the Champions League semifinals!】

-【A small meteor hitting Earth, Paris has no Champions League fate, Real Madrid's squad is in a league of its own in Europe, very likely to defend the title.】

-【I still wanted to see Li Mingdeng go up against Di María, Cavani, Verratti, and Thiago Silva—too bad it didn't happen.】

-【Looks like Arsenal will end up drawing Bayern after all.】

-【Is there any behind‑the‑scenes manipulation in the Champions League draw?】

The draw ceremony didn't linger long.

Drogba continued splitting the balls.

Lewokusen!

Henry's heart skipped a beat.

He gazed toward Wenger from afar.

The director's camera happened to cut to a close‑up of the two of them.

The King of Havre took a deep breath, decisively pulled out the small ball, and forcefully split it open!

"Arsenal!"

"The sixth matchup result is out!"

"Lewokusen vs Arsenal!"

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

The 200-million-yuan man is returning to Bei lai yin so quickly?

Henry was overjoyed.

Tuopu Laotou stared blankly, then instantly went limp...

The livestream.

Bullet comments flew across.

-【Nice, Henry!】

-【Alright, Arsenal has suffered for so many years, finally can advance to the quarterfinals!】

-【Who doesn't eat dumplings during New Year?】

-【Hard to say, Lewokusen spent so much money in the summer transfer window; if Balotelli can perform normally...】

-【I don't know how Li Kang feels facing his old club.】

-【What feelings could there be? No way to hold back! Even if Little Li is a substitute, Arsenal would hardly falter.】

-【Looking forward to Li Kang's godlike performance upon returning to Bei lai yin.】

-【The place where dreams begin.】

The players' representative section.

Li Kang's expression was calm.

Calhanolu looked helpless.

Besides Bayern, which group's second-place team would want to draw Arsenal?

Who doesn't know they are now the strongest attacking force in the Champions League!

The main stage.

Drogba unveiled a new slip of paper.

"Juventus!"

Henry gathered his spirit and pulled out forcefully!

Pop!

"Borussia Dortmund!"

"The seventh matchup result is out!"

The final matchup result was without suspense.

Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.

It's only a matter of home/away order; we need to follow the procedure and finish splitting the small ball.

The Champions League round of sixteen draw ceremony ended.

The head coaches of all clubs were surrounded by reporters.

An English reporter asked: 'Mr. Tuop, are you satisfied with Lewokusen's draw result this time?'

What a lousy question!

Tuopu Laotou really wanted to curse.

He adjusted his suit, stood tall and chest out: 'I very much hope Li can return to Bei lai yin, but not as an opponent; he will always be my pride.'

A double entendre.

His wise and humorous answer earned applause from the crowd.

Win or lose aside, one must maintain decorum.

At the same time.

Around Arsenal as well, many media gathered.

'Mr. Arsène, can Arsenal break the curse of stopping at the round of sixteen this season?'

'Has Li started dating a girlfriend?'

'With Arsenal's injury-ridden squad, can they withstand the dark horse Bei lai yin?'

"..."

Wenger patiently answered all kinds of messy questions.

'Lewokusen cannot be called a dark horse; judging by their current squad, they have the strength to challenge any powerhouse.'

'No need to worry, Arsenal's injury wave will soon subside.'

'Li's girlfriend... I've never heard of this; you should focus on his performance on the field!'

The player representatives stepped onto the main stage.

They took a commemorative photo.

Li Kang's position changed; he stood in a spot closer to the middle.

The Saint Bode Cup shone with brilliant light.

Under the spotlight, many unfamiliar faces appeared, while many familiar figures faded.