The last 16 of the UEFA Champions League promises another exciting chapter in Europe’s premier competition as the remaining teams fight for a place in the quarter-finals.
With several heavyweights set to clash and a few surprise contenders still dreaming big, the stakes could hardly be higher, offering ample opportunities in sports betting markets for those looking to support their favourites.
Here’s a look at the eight ties and what to expect from each matchup.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Liverpool went down to a frustrating 1-0 defeat when they faced Galatasaray in the league stage in September, and will be keen for revenge when the teams renew hostilities at Rams Park in the first leg on Tuesday.
Defending the Premier League title has already become a “mission impossible” for the Reds, and achieving a top result in the Champions League has become a must for low-pressure boss Arne Slot.
According to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy (via BBC), achieving success in Europe’s elite club competition could be the only way for the Dutchman to keep his job.
Despite Galatasaray’s excellent run in the Turkish Super League and a 5-3 aggregate win over Juventus in the knockout round, the Merseyside giants should reach the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Liverpool progress
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Atalanta staged an epic comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the play-offs, overturning a 2-0 deficit with a stunning 4-1 win in Bergamo to set up their first European tie against Bayern Munich.
Although Harry Kane had to miss the Bavarians’ 4-1 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach last Friday, he is likely to return from injury in time for Bayern’s trip to the Gewiss Stadium, meaning this could be the end of the road for La Dea.
Raffaele Palladino has already done well to guide his side this far in the competition, but a two-legged draw against the Bundesliga champions in record time could prove to be a tall order for Serie A.
Prediction: Bayern Munich will progress
Atletico de Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur
Lifting European club football’s most prestigious title represents the only remaining chance for both Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur to secure silverware this season amid disappointing domestic campaigns.
While Los Colchoneros are heading for another top-four finish in La Liga, Spurs have surprisingly found themselves flirting with relegation to the Premier League, with just one point from the bottom three.
It goes without saying that securing top-flight survival is Igor Tudor’s top priority, which could allow Diego Simeone’s Warriors to take advantage of a potentially distracted Tottenham side.
Prediction: Atlético de Madrid progress
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
Barcelona secured a hard-earned 2-1 victory at St James’ Park in September, but Newcastle United will approach this clash with renewed confidence after beating Manchester United despite a numerical disadvantage.
With a top-four Premier League finish already out of reach, Eddie Howe’s charges must rewrite the club’s history books and win their first Champions League title if they are to dine at Europe’s top table next season.
However, that might prove easier said than done against Lamine Yamal and co, with MARC claims that the Spanish kid has had more impact in his first four years at Camp Nou than the legendary Lionel Messi.
This exciting match will be their chance to justify the extraordinary expectations surrounding their meteoric rise.
Prediction: Barcelona progresses
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
It’s been more than two decades since Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal last met in the Champions League, and things didn’t go well for Die Werkself that time as the Gunners ran out 5-2 winners on aggregate in 2002.
History looks likely to repeat itself here as Mikel Arteta’s high-flyers aim to build on their flawless league stage record against classy Leverkusen and keep alive their dream of an unprecedented quadruple.
Winless in four of their last five outings in all competitions, the German heavyweights arrive in poor form and face a daunting task against an Arsenal side brimming with confidence and momentum.
Prediction: Arsenal progress
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Despite a pair of emphatic wins over Leverkusen and Tottenham, Les Parisiens’ league journey was far from ideal, throwing their hopes of defending their Champions League title.
Luis Enrique’s side overcame Monaco in the play-offs and will need to do much better if they are to win a third consecutive tie against Chelsea as the two teams meet in the Champions League for the first time since 2016.
If there is anyone familiar with PSG’s true strength, it is Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, who had coached Strasbourg for almost two years before arriving at Stamford Bridge in January.
Unfortunately for the Blues, that doesn’t mean Chelsea have an easier time dealing with one of the most skilful attacks in world football.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain progress
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP
As if getting out of the Champions League group/league stage for the first time in the club’s history wasn’t impressive enough, Bodo/Glimt became the first Norwegian team to win a knockout stage since 1987.
None other than Atlético, Manchester City and Inter Milan fell victim to Kjetil Knutsen’s side on their way to the last 16, highlighting the scale of the task ahead of Sporting CP.
It takes a brave man to bet against the Norwegian champions extending their continental fairytale.
Prediction: Bodo/Glimt to progress
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Meetings between these two European superpowers have become a recurring theme in recent years, having been six times in the last seven Champions League seasons.
Pep Guardiola’s charges claimed bragging rights in December’s game at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the Whites will be desperate to settle the score here, although they could be without Kylian Mbappé for the first leg.
Madrid’s results have improved under Alvaro Arbeloa, but his performances have been deceptively flat. Although Man City have not been at their best of late, the writing may already be on the wall for the Spanish powerhouse.Prediction: Manchester City progress
