The Champions League Round of 16 draw has just been concluded and Softfootball took a moment to reflect on the magnificent and mouth-watering clashes we are about to witness, giving a possible verdict on what could happen.
Real Madrid will clash with Manchester City in what feels like the third consecutive meeting between both sides. They know each other too well and understand how to fight against one another. Honestly, it is difficult to confidently say one team will beat the other. Neither side is at their absolute best, so it promises to be a very tough encounter.
FK Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP looks slightly in Sporting’s favour, as they most likely have the upper hand in this tie.
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For Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea, some Chelsea fans believe PSG is a better opponent compared to other possible draws. Analysing this matchup, PSG will always want to attack, and likewise Chelsea. It will not be defence versus attack, but rather about which team utilises its opportunities better. Chelsea cannot easily blow PSG away, but they have a fair chance, just as PSG do.
Newcastle United will face FC Barcelona, with Newcastle set to test Barcelona’s high line. Marcos Rashford of Barcelona understands this type of encounter and has experienced Newcastle before, making this another tough tie.
Galatasaray will clash with Liverpool as Galatasaray had defeated Liverpool in the group stage, so Liverpool may see this as revenge. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid will meet Tottenham Hotspur. Atlético should be favourites, especially with Tottenham struggling, but football does not always follow expectations.
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta appears favourable for Bayern, who will be relatively happy with that draw. As for Arsenal vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen, this may be the best draw Arsenal could have hoped for, giving them a strong opportunity to go far in the competition.
It is important to note that Arsenal and Bayern will keep their second-leg home advantage until the semi-finals because they finished first and second. They will always play their second leg at home until that stage.
Looking at the possible path, if Chelsea beat PSG, or PSG beat Chelsea, the winner will face the winner between Galatasaray and Liverpool. The winner there could then meet either Manchester City or Real Madrid, or the winner between Bayern Munich and Atalanta.
Using Chelsea as an example, if Chelsea beat PSG and Liverpool overcome Galatasaray, Chelsea would likely meet Liverpool. Should they progress again, they could face Manchester City if City eliminate Madrid. On the other side, Bayern, if they defeat Atalanta, could meet either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
From the opposite half of the draw, Arsenal appear to have a clearer path to the final. Barcelona will face Newcastle, with the winner meeting either Tottenham or Atlético de Madrid. Meanwhile, the winner between Bodø/Glimt and Sporting will face the winner of Arsenal vs Leverkusen.
If Arsenal defeat Leverkusen and then overcome either Bodø/Glimt or Sporting, they could meet Atlético, Tottenham, Barcelona or Newcastle in the later stages. Based on the structure of the draw, Arsenal arguably have one of the best chances to reach the final, alongside Barcelona.
