The UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg will take place over the course of 4-5 March. Some of the main fixtures to watch include a mouthwatering Madrid derby and a pulsating clash between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
Elsewhere in the UEFA Champions League last 16, there will be a key German derby between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. PSV will face Arsenal, Benfica will host Barcelona and Brugge will come up against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Dortmund will face LOSC Lille and Feyenoord will play Inter.
UEFA Champions League Key Showdown: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid (1.87) will host Atlético Madrid (4.20) in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash. The Spanish giants have already met multiple times this season, with each encounter proving intense. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to extend their impressive European form.
Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, will aim to frustrate their city rivals. Their defensive solidity will be key against Real Madrid’s attacking firepower.
PSG vs. Liverpool: UEFA Champions League Giants
Paris Saint-Germain (2.44) will face Liverpool (2.70) in one of the most anticipated matches of the round. Arne Slot’s side will aim to exploit PSG’s defensive weaknesses. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai could be decisive on the break. The battle in midfield will be another important factor in determining the outcome.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
Club Brugge will look to make home advantage count against Aston Villa. The Belgian side have been strong in European competitions and will be confident. Hans Vanaken’s experience could be crucial in midfield.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have been solid in both attack and defence. Ollie Watkins will be a key player, leading the line with his movement and finishing. Villa’s defensive organisation will also be tested against Brugge’s attacking threat.
PSV vs. Arsenal
PSV Eindhoven will welcome Arsenal in a crucial tie. The Dutch side have been in strong form and will look to press high. Luuk de Jong’s aerial ability could be a threat to the Gunners’ defence.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, will rely on their quick passing game. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will miss the game through hamstring injuries, making it tougher for the Gunners. Arsenal’s midfield must dominate possession to control the game.
Dortmund vs. LOSC Lille
Borussia Dortmund will take on LOSC Lille in an intriguing encounter. Dortmund’s home support will give them a major boost. Julian Brandt’s creativity and Sébastien Haller’s finishing could be decisive.
Lille will look to frustrate their German hosts with a compact setup. Jonathan David’s pace will be a key factor on the counter. Defensive discipline will be crucial to their chances of progressing.
Feyenoord vs. Inter
Feyenoord will face a tough test against Inter Milan. The Dutch side have shown resilience in Europe and will need to be at their best.
Inter Milan, last season’s finalists, will be favourites to advance. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram will lead their attacking charge. Simone Inzaghi’s men will also rely on their strong defensive unit.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen will battle in a crucial German derby. Bayern’s experience in the Champions League gives them an edge. Harry Kane’s goal-scoring ability will be vital for the Bavarians.
Leverkusen, however, have been in sensational form under Xabi Alonso. Florian Wirtz’s creativity could unlock Bayern’s defence. This all-German showdown promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the round.
Benfica vs. Barcelona
Benfica will look to make home advantage count against Barcelona. The Portuguese side have caused upsets in the past and will aim for another. Ángel Di María’s experience will be crucial.
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, will be favourites to progress. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will be key attacking threats. The Catalan side’s defensive stability will also be tested against Benfica’s attacking play.
The UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg promises thrilling encounters. Each team will aim to gain an advantage before the second leg. European drama is guaranteed.
