Champions League: Heading for the round of 16

The unprecedented part of this new Champions League format is now over. Let's now move on to a part we know better: the knockout phase. The agenda is already set until the final according to the leaderboard of the League phase and the result is very interesting.

Left side: the titans face surprises

We’re starting off very strong on this side for one of the shocks of this round of 16 with a magnificent PSG vs. Liverpool. Paris did well by crushing Brest 10-0 total in their two matches during the playoffs. An impressive performance which sets the tone for the Reds. However, while the first-leg at the Parc des Princes looks set to be tight, the second-leg in Anfield could make the difference as Liverpool are unbeatable at home. 

The winner of this clash will face one of the two surprises of the competition: Club Brugge or Aston Villa. On the one hand, there was something heroic about the Belgians eliminating Atalanta,, latest winners of the Europa League, in the playoffs. On the other hand, Aston Villa has entered the top 8 among the world’s best teams. One thing is for sure, this double confrontation will be one to keep a close watch on.

We continue with the other surprise of this round of 16, the Madrid derby between Real and Atlético. As usual, the tension is always there, but when these two teams face each other in Europe, their rivalry reaches its peak. Historically, Madrid derbies in Europe have always gone better for the Casa Blanca.

Finally, PSV will face Arsenal in an encounter between two competitive teams, the winner of which will travel to Madrid for the quarterfinals.

Right side: a highway for Barça?

We’re starting off with the top favourites from this part of the leaderboard: FC Barcelona against Benfica. The Catalans are currently one of the best teams in Europe and their football game has the same effect as an impressive steamroller. Without underestimating the Portuguese, seeing them triumph over Barça would be a huge surprise.

The other duel will be between Borussia Dortmund and Lille. Lille had a fantastic campaign in the league stage and they will have a lot to do against the yellow wall that got so easily rid of Sporting Lisbon. We can expect domination from Germany, but beware of the French speed of execution that has already surprised more than one of their opponents.

Let's move on to the other major clash in this part of the agenda: Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen. The two best teams in the Bundesliga have been neck and neck since last season and every time they clash, sparks fly. However, Vincent Kompany's team have experience in this competition and could take advantage of it.

Finally, we’ll witness crazy football during Feyenoord – Inter, a duel which promises to be a great quarterfinal fixture between them and the Germans.

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