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The UEFA Champions League returns Tuesday, Feb. 11 with the first ever set of knockout stage playoff games. The first legs will wrap up Wednesday, Feb. 12 with the return fixtures taking place a week later. A total of eight games to go down with teams vying for a spot in the round of 16 where the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan and more await.
UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage Predictions:
Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Brest, one of the Champions League’s fairytale stories, faces a daunting task against fellow Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in the playoffs. Despite both sides finishing the league phase on 13 points, their journeys were significantly different. On paper, PSG boasts superior firepower, but when domestic rivals clash in Europe, just anything can happen. We tip Luis Enrique’s PSG to advance to the round of 16.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
The highly anticipated headline matchup of the round pits two European giants against each other for the fourth consecutive Champions League season. This time, however, one heavyweight will fall before the round of 16. Real Madrid, despite topping La Liga, are battling with several injury woes, and five key players risk suspension for the second leg if they receive a yellow card on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Manchester City is enduring their worst season under Pep Guardiola’s reign. Nevertheless, Real Madrid’s squad depth and experience should see them to victory over both legs in their quest for a record 16th European crown.
We fancy Real Madrid to progress.
Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven’s morale-boosting victory over a rotated Liverpool side on the final day of the league phase has set the stage for a thrilling matchup. This tie has all the makings of a nail-biting, two-legged affair, potentially resulting in extra time and a penalty shootout. Nevertheless, Juventus’s experience and depth should be able to sail them to victory over the Dutch side.
Sporting CP vs. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga campaign has been underwhelming, with eight losses in 21 games. However, the Champions League has been a different story altogether. Dortmund’s impressive 22-goal tally in the league phase was surpassed only by Barcelona. While Sporting CP’s defensive record is comparable, it’s worth noting that most of their league phase matches were under former manager Ruben Amorim. With Viktor Gyokeres’ prolific goal-scoring flair, this tie sure promises to be an entertaining, high-scoring affair.
We opine Dortmund’s Champions League form should see them advance to the next round.
Club Brugge vs. Atalanta
Club Brugge’s valiant effort against Manchester City on the final day of the league phase, leading at halftime, but ultimately fell short to defeat. Despite the loss, they secured a playoff spot. However, their Cinderella run will likely come to an end against Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side narrowly missed an automatic round of 16 spot, having scored 20 goals and conceded just six.
We predict Atalanta’s attacking quality and European experience should see them triumph over both legs.
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan
Santiago Gimenez became the fourth non-European player to score a first-half brace against Bayern Munich in European competitions back in the league phase. That was as Feyenoord’s leading man. Now, the forward faces his former team, Feyenoord, wearing the iconic AC Milan jersey looking to advance past his old team alongside the likes of Christian Pulisic, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao.
We think with their star-studded lineup, AC Milan should dominate the clash and advance to the next round.
Celtic vs. Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany makes his knockout stage debut as Bayern Munich’s head coach, facing Celtic in a daunting matchup. The Bavarian giants boast a host of attacking firepower with Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane forming a dangerous attacking trio.
We predict Bayern’s firepower and depth should see them to a comfortable, two-legged victory.
AS Monaco vs. SL Benfica
In a rematch from Matchday 5 of the league phase, Benfica seeks to repeat their previous success against Monaco. The Portuguese side ran out winners in their earlier encounter and should do so again over both legs, as they leverage their experience in the competition and cohesion to outmaneuver the French opponents.
C’mon city