UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Stage – Preview and Predictions

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 schedule is up following today’s draw in Switzerland. It would take two pairings to get the final schedule, as the first one was declared void due to a software malfunction that caused some mistakes in the drawing process. 

In the next few paragraphs, we will run over all the matchups and give some early predictions.

Real Madrid vs PSG

Real Madrid had the least luck because the Los Blancos got Benfica at first, but later on, received PSG as their rivals. This is undoubtedly the biggest matchup of the entire round, which will generate the most attention in the soccer community. 

Both teams are topping the standings in their respective championships and have the highest ambitions in UCL this season.

For the moment, we believe that Carlo Ancelotti’s experience will play a major role here and that the Spaniards have the edge.

Pick: Real

Inter Milan vs. Liverpool

The second big clash is between Inter Milan and Liverpool. The Reds are currently one of the best teams in Europe and the top contenders to win the UCL, along with Bayern Munich and Manchester City. On the other side, Inter plays well, and the Nerrazzuri’s form is on the rise.

Still, when looking at the overall picture, Liverpool is at a higher level, and that is why we have to side with them in this pair.

Pick: Liverpool

Red Bull Salzburg vs. Bayern Munich

Even though we love the Bulls, they have nothing to hope for in this matchup. Bayern is way stronger and, in our opinion, the top favorite for the UCL. We’ve seen them dismantling team after team over the recent few months; therefore, the trend should continue against RB as well.

Pick: Bayern Munich

Chelsea vs. Lille

The French champs had a solid campaign so far, and overall, they massively improved their performances in the past several weeks. In the final game of the group stage, they rolled over Wolfsburg, thus winning the top spot in the assembly.

As for Chelsea, the Blues are in a small crisis, yet we really do believe that they should win here. The difference in quality forces us to bet on that.

Pick: Chelsea

Villareal vs Juventus

Now this will be an interesting battle to watch because Juventus isn’t anywhere near the quality of play from, let’s say, the previous two years or three. On the other side, Emeri and the Yellow Submarine showed that they know how to play big games. 

We are positive that there won’t be too many goals in both legs, and as for the winner or the matchup, Villarreal has 51% of chances for the next stage. 

Pick: Villarreal

Benfica vs. Ajax

The Eagles have secured the Round of 16 in the last stage, while Ajax did it first in the entire UCL. The Dutch powerhouse is playing superb football, and we predict their routine advance into the quarterfinals. 

Pick: Ajax

Sporting vs. Manchester City

The Portuguese team has a solid unit with several talented players and a few veterans, and that is about it. We can’t compare them with City in any aspect of the game, and betting on anything else, but the Citizens’ victory here would be ludacris. 

Pick: Manchester City

Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United

Diego Simeone’s side apparently deflated after winning the La Liga last season and are playing nowhere near the expected level. United is also very pale and inconsistent, but we’ll see what happens with Ralf Rangnick in charge now. For the moment, the Red Devils are our pick, but that could easily change.

Pick: Manchester United