The Champions League round of 16 is now 50% complete, with all of the first leg games played. While a lot can still happen in the knockout stages, we have got a good picture of how we can expect the quarter-finals to shape up.
While we can see which teams will likely make it into the quarter-finals, we can’t work out which teams will face off against each other because UEFA will reseed all of the time before the games take place.
Here’s what to look out for in the crucial second leg games.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid:
Liverpool traveled to Spain to face off against Atletico Madrid in the first leg. Many were shocked at the 1-0 victory that the Spaniards managed given Liverpool’s dominance over the last 12 months.
They managed to put up a strong defense against the English side, stopping them from getting many shots on target. Something few teams have managed this year.
However, the second leg will be at Anfield, and with Liverpool now just a handful of games away from securing the Premier League, they won’t need to be as cautious heading into the game.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid:
Despite the tough pairing against Real Madrid, Manchester City continue to be favorites to win the Champions League this season. After a goalless first half, City managed to squeeze a 2-1 victory over Real, which could be decisive in the outcome.
The second leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium, giving City the home team advantage. It’s going to be a tough game, with the outcome of the entire knockout stage being affected by this match. The city is facing a two-year ban from the Champions League, so it will likely go all out to stay in the competition.
Chelsea vs Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich dealt an almost decisive blow to Chelsea in the first leg when they picked up crucial away goals in their 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. The Bavarian side will be feeling quite confident as they head into the second leg.
Chelsea will be without Marcos Alonso, who was sent off in the 83rd minute of the first leg.
Dortmund vs PSG:
The Borussia Dortmund vs PSG game was one of the most even of the round of 16. It ended 2-1 to Dortmund, with both sides having similar numbers of shots, shots on target and possession.
PSG did end up with 4 yellow cards though, so they may have to be a little more careful heading into the second leg to avoid some sendings off.
Despite this even match, PSG is getting much better odds than Dortmund for the second leg since they have a home team advantage.
Barcelona vs Napoli
Another surprising outcome in the first leg was Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Barcelona. Despite having nearly 70% possession, the Catalan side managed only 1 more shot, and 2 fewer shots on target.
Barcelona also had Atruro Vidal sent off after getting two yellow cards. The first for a challenge on Rui, the second for a headbutt on him in the argument that followed.
Like Liverpool though, Barcelona will be playing the second leg game at home. Most bookmakers and pundits believe the second leg game will be a walkover for Barcelona.
RB Leipzig vs Tottenham Hotspur
RB Leipzig was the first team in the first leg to manage an away victory when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in London. Spurs reached the final of the Champions League last year, but the odds are looking stacked against them this season.
Reaching the round of 16 is already Leipzig’s best performance in the Champions League, in only their third season of reaching the competition. Based on their performance so far, they look like they might manage to get to the quarter-finals again, but it remains to be seen whether they will make it any further.
The second leg games are usually when things heat up in the Champions League. Teams that are behind must fight hard to overturn the aggregate score, as was seen last year when Liverpool kept their campaign alive against Barcelona, winning 4-0 in the second leg game.
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