UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second-Leg Preview

The Champions League RO16 fixtures promise some quality football action this week. (Image credits – Heute; licence details). 

The second leg of the Champions League playoffs returned on 17th and 18th March, promising plenty of good footballing action with the biggest teams in Europe pitted against each other. The first leg action delivered some dominant one-sided clashes, sensational comebacks and inspirational underdog stories, especially with Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray. We will take a look at the fixtures ahead and analyse each one and drop our predictions.

Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt; Aggregate: 0-3

Bodø/Glimt are pulling off one of the greatest underdog stories in football this season and are on a fairytale run. The Norwegian side has won their last five Champions League games, beating teams like Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Inter Milan and even beating Sporting CP in the first leg. The Portuguese club faces a huge mountain to climb after a poor outing against Bodø in the first leg in Norway.

The Norwegian side’s relentless pressing and quick counter-attacking have been ruthless this season, and they will have a similar approach but will defend deeper than they did in the first leg. Rui Borges' side will aim to rely on the home support, relying on players like Hjulmand and Trincao.

Prediction: Sporting 2-1 Bodø/Glimt (agg: 2-4). 

The Vikings advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, scripting history.

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen: Aggregate: 1-1

The tie hangs perfectly in balance, as the Gunners host Leverkusen, who have regained their lost momentum. However, the Germans have struggled defensively this season, which Mikel Arteta's men will aim to exploit. Arsenal's set-piece expertise and counter-pressing will be key against a tired Leverkusen side. 

The Bundesliga champions will aim to sit deep and hit the Gunners on the break. Arsenal will carry the home advantage at the Emirates, relying on Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and their midfield of Odegaard, Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Leverkusen, (agg: 4-2)

The Gunners advance to the quarters as favourites to win the competition.

Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain; Aggregate: 2-5

Paris Saint-Germain thumped Chelsea at Parc des Princes last week and have left the Blues with a mountain to climb in London. Liam Rosenior’s side have the attacking threat but have been too inconsistent lately, even losing 1-0 against Newcastle in the Premier League. Confidence is low in the Chelsea camp right now, which will be key in this tie.

The Blues will have the home support, but PSG are experienced and have too much threat up top; one goal in the starting few minutes of the game from them will kill the tie instantly. Chelsea will aim to defend Paris’s attacking threat while troubling their defence more.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-3 PSG (agg: 4-8)

Paris Saint-Germain advance to the next round with the dreams of defending the UCL.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid; Aggregate: 0-3

Real Madrid blew away Manchester City in the first leg at the Bernabéu thanks to Fede Valverde’s heroics on the night. Despite not being at their best during the league phase, the 15-time UCL winners made City look like amateurs, and now Pep Guardiola's side needs a miraculous comeback to revive themselves in the competition.

To win this tie, City needs to dominate the game from the start and produce an incredible comeback to win this tie. Madrid will aim to soak the pressure, defend deep and hurt City on the break. Kylian Mbappe’s return to the side will be key for Arbeloa's side.

Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid (agg: 1-5)

Real Madrid secures their place in the quarter-finals in a potential clash with Bayern Munich.

FC Barcelona vs Newcastle United: Aggregate: 1-1

Another tie hanging perfectly in balance as both sides head to Camp Nou for a feisty clash. Barcelona are on a winning streak at their home this season, but Newcastle have shown their grit before in difficult away fixtures. The return of Gavi and Pedri will be crucial for Barça to dominate the midfield against the English side.

The La Liga leaders will rely on their incredible home support and aim to choke the Magpies with their possession game and relentless pressing. It'll be Newcastle’s defending up against Barcelona's relentless attacking threat.

Prediction: FC Barcelona 4-1 Newcastle (agg: 5-2)

Hansi Flick’s side reaches the quarter-finals stage for the second time in a row, aiming to clinch their sixth UCL title.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Atletico Madrid; Aggregate: 2-5

Yet another one-sided tie which left Atletico Madrid thrashing Tottenham in Madrid. The La Liga giants finished the tie in the first 22 minutes in the first leg by scoring four goals past a helpless Spurs side. Diego Simeone's side has the quality and the experience to get past an out-of-form Spurs side.

Igor Tudor's side has been poor even at home this season; therefore, it would take a miracle for them to go through to the next round. A goal from Atletico in the tie will put this fixture to bed. Julian Alvarez will be key as usual for Simeone.

Prediction: Tottenham 0-2 Atletico (agg.: 2-7)

Atleti reaches the quarter-finals and faces a potential clash with FC Barcelona, who seek revenge for the Copa del Rey semi-final.

Liverpool vs Galatasaray; Aggregate: 0-1

Arne Slot's side is having a season to forget, and an elimination from the RO16 will make it even worse. The Reds were decent in the league phase, but their form has been topsy-turvy in the league, and their attack has been predictable at times. Defensively they have been breached quite easily as well this season.

At Anfield the Reds will have the home support, but Galatasaray will sit deep and aim to hurt Slot's side on the break, which has been a weakness for them. Liverpool will hope that their front trio click on the night and help them get through to the next round. Gala will rely on Victor Osimhen to pull them through to the next round.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Galatasaray (agg: 2-3)

Galatasaray shocks Liverpool and marches on to the next stage of the competition.

Bayern Munich vs Atalanta: Aggregate: 6-1

Bayern Munich have already put the tie to bed with their one-sided display in Bergamo last week. However, due to injuries the Bavarians will have no regular keeper on the night, which Atalanta will aim to exploit. However, relying on the home support and tremendous attacking threat, it'll be just a formality for Bayern in the second leg.

Atalanta showed their spirit against Dortmund, coming back from two goals down, but coming back from five goals down is something no team has ever done, and that too against European giants Bayern. The Italians lack the firepower against such a superior side, especially after that poor outing at home last week.

Prediction: Bayern 3-1 Atalanta (agg: 9-2)

Bayern heads to the next stage, setting up a potential clash with Real Madrid.