Predicting the UCL Round of 16
The UCL Round of 16 opens play tomorrow – here’s a preview and a prediction for all eight matchups:
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
September’s installment of this fixture was one to forget for Liverpool, a 1-0 loss at RAMS Park. Although the penalty called against them was harsh, they were completely outplayed. Galatasaray were able to spring a trap on Juventus in Istanbul but ended up limping into the Round of 16. I would not be shocked to see extra-time or even penalties in this one but, I think Liverpool will have learned their lesson and survive the tie.
Aggregate Score: Liverpool 4-2 Galatasaray
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Atalanta pulled off a miracle comeback to down Dortmund. Now, they face the other side of Der Klassiker. Bayern are far formidable than their yellow rivals this season. Atalanta don’t have the firepower to take down the German giants who boast over double the amount of league goals this season.
Aggregate Score: Atalanta 1-5 Bayern Munich
Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid
Spurs are in a genuine relegation fight in England. Logistically, they shouldn’t put much energy into the UCL. That’s exactly why they stand a chance. Starting on the road, with zero expectation to win, is perfect for them. I’m predicting an upset and extra fixtures that Spurs really don’t need.
Aggregate Score: Tottenham 3-2 Atlético Madrid
Barcelona vs Newcastle
Barcelona came out on top in the group phase matchup with a double from Marcus Rashford. They’ll find it tough in the first leg on Tyneside, and I doubt they win the first leg. That said, they should finish things at the Camp Nou barring disaster in England.
Aggregate Score: Barcelona 3-2 Newcastle
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
Arsenal haven’t even drawn a game yet in the Champions League and I don’t see that ending with this tie. The interesting thing about this tie is the question of how the two teams will play. Leverkusen will likely be pinned in often, but Arsenal have shown an increasing tendency to allow the other team possession especially when they’re ahead. Expect dominance from the Gunners no matter the style they choose.
Aggregate Score: Arsenal 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP
The Norwegian darlings of the UCL face off with the Portuguese giants led by Luis Suarez (not the biting one). It’s the perfect set up for Bodø’s fairytale if you ask me. The leg in Portugal will be tough but it’s hard to see anyone beating Bodø in the Arctic Circle right now. Arsenal will be rooting for Sporting to help them avoid that trip.
Aggregate Score: Bodø/Glimt 4-3 Sporting CP
Chelsea vs PSG
The Club World Cup final rematch has come quickly, this time on a bigger stage (only slight slander intended). Chelsea are on the good run of form with Liam Rosenior at the wheel and Joao Pedro is in the form of his life. PSG stumbled over the last month and will be considered vulnerable. The Parisians are fully invested in the UCL, to the point of digging for schedule changes. Despite their struggles, I think they’re the better team and their experience will help them redeem themselves against Chelsea.
Aggregate Score: Chelsea 1-3 PSG
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
The biannual City vs Madrid game will be the headliner of the round. Both teams are locked in domestic title races in which they are both trailing. It’s a hard one to predict with their head-to-head UCL record perfectly balanced with 5 wins each and 5 draws. The injury list at Madrid is what causes me to lean towards City. They’ll be without Mbappe and Bellingham for the first leg at least, among others. This fixture looks like the perfect opportunity for Erling Haaland to kick on after a tough February.
Aggregate Score: Manchester City 4-2 Real Madrid