The Round of 16 in the Champions League is arguably one of the most entertaining in soccer.

This is the round in which teams can still dare to dream of a decent match-up that gives them an easy step into the next round. But if Arsenal is any indication over the last few years, it can also be a nightmare in which the worst match-up comes up time and again.

This year's Champions League Round of 16 draw took place on Monday and brought up about some unique match-ups that feature a number of major winners and losers.

Here is a look at those smiling and those crying after Monday's draw:

Winners

Real Madrid - The defending champs were hoping to avoid Paris St. Germain, Manchester City or Juventus in the opening round as they look to maintain themselves fresh throughout what will undoubtedly be a long season. Mission accomplished.

Schalke 04 was arguably the best possible opponent for the team, as they are a German side that not only got trounced 9-2 over two legs by los Blancos a year ago, but one that is arguably weaker as well. Carlo Ancelotti could look forward to building a big lead in the first leg and then resting some of his top stars in the second leg.

Arsenal - The Gunners were probably praying for anyone but Bayern Munich. But even then, some of the draws would have been difficult. Unless it was Monaco. And that is exactly who Arsenal will have to face in the first knockout rounds. This should be "easy." And the Gunners actually enter the tilt as the favorites.

Atletico Madrid - The runner-ups of last year's competition drew a rather moderate task in Bayer Leverkusen. The German team is not to be taken lightly, but is hardly the tremendous challenge for the Spanish side. After all, Leverkusen could not win the top stop in a relatively "easy" group and was destroyed at this hurdle by Paris St. Germain a year ago.

FC Basel - The Swiss side is on the rise, and while it faces a tough team in Porto, FC Basel has proven its ability to play up to the level of competition over the past few seasons. It should provide the team with an ample opportunity to move forward in the competition.

The Fans - The remaining four match-ups are undisputed thrillers that should be a ton of fun to keep tabs on. Which naturally means that ...

Losers

Everyone else - In all seriousness, this Round of 16 is going to be full of excitement. But the remaining 10 teams are likely nervous about what they must deal with moving forward.

Chelsea and Paris St. Germain have a rematch from last year that ended 3-3 on aggregate. That can go either way this year, too, though the English side is remarkably better. But then again, so is the Parisian side.

Manchester City has to try and overcome that 4-1 defeat against Barcelona last year in this very tie. But the team is far stronger heading into the knockout rounds, especially given the resilience it has displayed. Sergio Aguero will be back by the time these teams face off. Barcelona is also stronger but also more vulnerable in some respects.

Bayern Munich is a favorite against Shakhtar Donetsk, but the Ukrainian side has the potential to make life very difficult for them.

And then comes Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund. Two sides that are not among the elite, but still quite interesting dark horses for a deep run. They will likely push themselves to the limit, making this the best match-up of Round of 16.

FOR MORE SOCCER NEWS, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE