UEFA Champions League: AC Milan to Play Arsenal in Last 16

AC Milan and Arsenal will once again play each other in the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The draw for the first knockout phase of the world's most elite club competition took place on Friday afternoon where the eight matchups for the next round were decided.

On the 112th birthday of the club, Milan, along with all of their fans around the world, have to be thinking in the back of their minds about the 2007-08 Round of 16 when they, then the defending champions of the competition, were completely outplayed and knocked out of the tournament 2-0 on aggregate.

Arsenal enter the Round of 16 having won Group F over Olympique de Marseille. AC Milan finished second in Group H behind reigning champions Barcelona.

In accordance with competition standards, Milan, as the runner-up, will host the opening match, giving Arsenal the home-field advantage since the second leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium in London.

The Round of 16 doesn't begin until February, with the first leg being played on either the 14th, 15th, 21st or 22nd, so Milan have two months to prepare.

Part of this preparation will include action in the transfer market. It is likely that either Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez or Catania's Maxi Lopez will join the club in the attack, but Milan have also been linked to several midfielders and left-backs to try and bolster the squad.

The draw is set; now it is a waiting game. During that time, enjoy the holidays, enjoy some quality league football, and get yourself mentally prepared for the greatest competition in sports' most trying times.