The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 reaches its conclusion this week as all eight ties are decided over Tuesday and Wednesday night. The first legs have already painted a vivid picture — some ties are dead, others are perfectly poised — and European football does not get any bigger than this. Here are our predictions for every second leg.
TUESDAY 17 MARCH
Sporting CP vs FK Bodø/Glimt
The Norwegian fairytale continues. Bodø/Glimt arrive in Lisbon holding a commanding 3-0 first leg lead and the tie is, in reality, already over. Sporting will push forward desperately in front of their own supporters but the task of scoring four without reply against a side that has been organised and disciplined throughout this Champions League campaign is simply too great. Expect Bodø/Glimt to absorb the pressure, hit on the counter, and book their place in the quarter-finals with minimum fuss. The underdogs of the tournament march on.
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
The pick of the Tuesday night ties. This one is perfectly balanced after a 1-1 draw in Germany, with Kai Havertz — playing against his former club — converting a late penalty to rescue Arsenal a precious away goal. The Emirates will be rocking and Arsenal in this kind of atmosphere, with this kind of motivation, are a formidable proposition. Mikel Arteta has his side in superb domestic form and they have the quality to control this tie at home. Leverkusen are dangerous on the counter and will not roll over, but Arsenal have too much for them on the night. The Gunners advance.
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
The defending champions have one hand firmly on the quarter-final place. PSG were devastating in Paris — Kvaratskhelia coming off the bench to score twice in the final minutes after Chelsea had fought back to 2-2, turning the tie on its head in the most brutal fashion. Chelsea need to win by four goals at Stamford Bridge to progress. It will not happen. PSG are too composed, too experienced and too dangerous to concede four at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will fight and will likely score, but the holders advance comfortably.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
City need a miracle. Real Madrid's 3-0 first leg win — built on Federico Valverde's extraordinary hat-trick — has left this tie firmly in Madrid's hands. Valverde has now scored four goals in nine days and is in the form of his life. Guardiola, still serving a touchline ban, will push his side forward and they will likely score, but Real Madrid are masters of managing these situations in Europe. Kylian Mbappé may return from injury to add fresh threat. Madrid to advance. Another Champions League heartbreak for City.
WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH
FC Barcelona vs Newcastle United
The tie of the round. Level at 1-1 after a pulsating first leg at St James' Park — a match Newcastle fans will feel they should have won before a controversial last-minute Lamine Yamal penalty denied them a famous victory. Now Barcelona have what could be the decisive advantage — the Spotify Camp Nou. After their stunning 5-2 demolition of Sevilla on Sunday, Flick's side are in the form of their lives. The Camp Nou will be electric. Newcastle are dangerous, organised and will make this difficult — but Barcelona are simply too good at home. The Blaugrana advance to the quarter-finals in front of their own fans. Visca el Barça.
Bayern München vs Atalanta
This is the definition of a dead rubber. Bayern demolished Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg — one of the most emphatic first leg results in recent Champions League history. Atalanta need six goals without reply. It will not happen. Both sides will rotate heavily. Bayern will manage the game professionally and cruise into the quarter-finals. The only question is by how much they win on the night.
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray produced a genuine shock in the first leg, winning 1-0 at home to give themselves a slender but significant advantage. Now they travel to Anfield — one of the most hostile atmospheres in world football. Liverpool need just one goal to level the tie and the crowd will push them from the first whistle. Galatasaray will defend deep and try to frustrate but Liverpool have too much quality at home. The Reds to turn it around and advance to the quarter-finals.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Atlético de Madrid
A mercy mission for Tottenham. Atlético demolished Spurs 5-2 in the first leg and the tie has been dead for a week. Igor Tudor's side are in freefall — five consecutive Premier League defeats, flirting with relegation, and a first-leg performance in Madrid that was nothing short of embarrassing. Atlético will be professional, disciplined and see the job out without breaking sweat. A miserable night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Diego Simeone's side march into the last eight.
---
SUMMARY TABLE
DISCLAIMER: These are predictions based on analysis and form. They are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute betting advice.