UEFA Champions League

We look ahead to the match-ups in the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League as we reach the business end of the competition.

The UEFA Champions League has been dominated by Europe’s elite since its change in format from the European Cup nearly three decades ago, with Jose Mourinho’s FC Porto in 2004 the last and arguably only surprise winner of the competition. However, the unique circumstances of the 2020/21 season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic could throw a spanner in the works. Bayern Munich and Liverpool have seemingly lost their aura of invincibility, while Barcelona and Real Madrid look a shadow of their former selves. KICK OFF’s Lorenz Köhler details the favourites from the round of 16, analysing each side’s strengths and weaknesses while offering insights into who may progress to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Manchester City Borussia Mönchengladbach

Inconsistent this season in the Bundesliga, the side led by Marco Rose ousted Shakhtar Donetsk and Internazionale to reach this stage of the competition.

Their 6-0 win over the Ukrainian giants proved to be one of the standout performances of the campaign with Algeria wing-back Rami Bensebaini playing a key role throughout. With 15 goals, only Bayern Munich (16) scored more in the group stage.

France international forward Alassane Pléa is amongst the leading scorers this season with five goals in six games but their defensive frailty could be exposed over the two legs against Pep Guardiola Manchester City.

Manchester City

The Citizens couldn’t approach the Last 16 at a better time with Guardiola admitting they’re close to reaching the form that saw them run away with the Premier League title in the 2018/19 season.

With Ilkay Gundogan hitting form at the crucial stage of the season, the attacking talent of Raheem Sterling and wonderkid Phil Foden are flourishing. John Stones’ upturn in form and the addition of €68-million new recruit Ruben Dias has solidified the defence and transformed Guardiola’s squad into genuine contenders for the title, one that has so far eluded them With contrasting

runs of form going into the tie, the ruthless City are expected to ease into the next round of the competition.

Lazio vs Bayern Munich

Lazio are one of the most underrated sides in Europe under the astute management of Simone Inzaghi and spearheaded by captain Ciro Immobile.

Despite not running towards another title challenge at home, the Italy striker, who has five goals in four games in the competition, will be aiming to silence his detractors in German media.

After an ill-fated stint with Borussia Dortmund, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise to superstardom in the Italian capital with just under 150 goals in all competitions during his four and half seasons.

Serbia playmaker Sergej Milinković-Savić provides another unique attacking option that could hurt Bayern, who have opted for a two-man midfield this term.

Bayern Munich

The loss of Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool can never be understated as a genuinely world-class playmaker was ripped from their near-perfect midfield that steamrolled to a treble last season under Hansi Flick.

While Bayern Munich still matches the energy, tenacity, work-rate and goals of Robert Lewandowski, the 3-5-2 system of the Italian outfit could cause a few headaches.

But with Lewandowski seemingly poised to breach the 50-goal barrier this season, Flicks’ men are still considered favourites for the title, despite the added burden of playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has done it again. Currently leading LaLiga with veteran striker Luis Suarez leading the charge, the tenacious Atleti have found their groove that saw them finish runnersup in the Champions League on two occasions under his leadership.

With their usual defensive prowess that’s unrivalled across Europe and marshalled by a world-class goalkeeper in Jan Oblak, Suarez will be challenged to lead them to glory.

His desire to prove Barcelona wrong after an acrimonious off-season exit will burn the fire for success to greater heights in the latter stages of his career.

Chelsea

After investing nearly €250 million in new signings, Chelsea have severely underperformed in the Premier League.

Germany international duo Timo Werner and Kai Haverts have been particularly disappointing in their debut seasons but possess the talent to unlock the Atleti defence.

As their Premier League aspirations dim week by week, Champions League glory could be a platform for redemption for the Blues – who have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess this season.

But with newly appointed coach Thomas Tuchel yet to figure out his strongest starting line-up, that could be the Achilles heel that ends their run before the quarterfinal.

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool Rb Leipzig

Under Julian Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig are one of the dark horses for the title as they challenge arguably the strongest squad, Bayern, for league honours.

Overcoming a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Manchester United in October to then oust the Red Devils for a place in the knockout stage showed real character.

With no real world-class players in the youthful side, their work-rate has proven their greatest strength and biggest weakness during the pandemic.

The high-pressing tactical system of last season’s semi-finalists could come unstuck against a Liverpool side who possess the greater depth needed during the novel coronavirus.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s ambition to build a dynasty has been blighted by injuries as first-choice defensive pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were both ruled out for the long-term.

Their makeshift defence this season, with midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson often deputising in their absence, has been their clear and obvious weakness.

But as Leipzig are unlikely to sit back and park the proverbial bus like many teams in the English top-flight have often leant towards – the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah could find some joy in what’s expected to be a high-scoring tie.

With greater experience, the 2018/19 champions are favourites to progress, despite not having the opportunity to call upon their strongest defence.

FC Porto vs Juventus FC Porto

Having conceded just three goals in the group stage, the LigaNos giants have shown the mental fortitude to challenge Europe’s elite with their modest 4-4-2 system.

Based on relentless work-rate, Mali striker Moussa Marega will be their key figure with his robust style of play and searing pace likely to cause issues to the ageing Juventus defence.

Currently in the title race with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, Sérgio Conceição, a two-time league winning manager is aiming to replicate the great Mourinho side of 2004 with the underdog tag.

Juventus

It’s safe to say the Andrea Pirlo experiment hasn’t gone to plan with Juventus nowhere near challenging for their 10th consecutive Scudetto.

Marred by inconsistent selections, players in unfamiliar positions and formation changes, not even the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo’s reputation as the competition’s all-time leading scorer can cover the notable cracks in Pirlo’s tactical mishaps.

On big occasions, the greatest teams and greatest performers often prove why they are the elite, but Porto holds one of their best chances to secure a historic result against the Bianconeri, who look well short of challenging for Europe’s biggest prize.

FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Barcelona

Another giant marred by mismanagement over the last few years that’s resulted in a rapid decline in fortunes.

Despite easing out of Group G with five wins from six, their six-year wait for the title looks likely to continue with captain Lionel Messi not surrounded by the world-class talent he flourished alongside during their golden era.

With Messi’s magic waning as he enters the latter stages of his career, Ronald Koeman’s side has floundered, while their midfield superiority that’s become synonymous of the Catalan giants is no more due to poor moves in the transfer market.

Arguably the worst Barcelona side of the modern era will have their backs against the wall against one of the greatest front-threes in the game right now.

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG may have sacked Thomas Tuchel and replaced him with Mauricio Pochettino mid-season, but their squad has shown no signs of regression as the case for their opponents.

Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are considered the two finest attackers in Europe right now and will be hungry to get their hands on the trophy the club’s Qatari owners desire.

Their Argentine manager has inherited a squad without Thiago Silva but several players with success ingrained in their DNA, with the domestic domination in France and the mandate to go one further than their runners-up medals from the 2019/20 campaign when they lost to Bayern.

Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund Sevilla

The LaLiga side have shown this season there’s no need to break the bank to secure top talent, or perhaps that Monchi is the greatest technical director in football.

Having eased towards the knockout stages, the reigning UEFA Europa League winners will be aiming to take their success from the second-tier competition to the next level.

Perhaps their greatest strength lies in their collective with no real standout stars, with veteran Jesus Navas leading the squad in his new right-back position.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund sacking Lucien Favre while still in with a shout of the title race this season perhaps shows their ambitions for the future.

Possessing some of the world’s most exciting talent in the form of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland, added to the finesse of Marco Reus, much is expected from the German giants.

Axel Witsel and Mats Hummels provide a real spine of experience in midfield and defence respectively, but Haaland’s return from injury is likely to be the swaying factor.

The Norway wonderkid has scored 16 goals in his first 12 games at the highest level of club football.

Atalanta vs Real Madrid Atalanta

Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad were one of the biggest talking-points of last season after reaching the quarter-final stage of the competition with a free-scoring team particularly pleasing on the eye for the neutrals.

With the same attacking vigour and mindset, one can expect one of the emerging Serie A sides to once again play with no fear.

Despite not holding any star names in their squad that could have Real Madrid quivering before their two-legged tie, their incredible energy and thirst for goals could provide the shock of the round.

Duvan Zapata’s battle with Sergio Ramos will be key as the Colombian target-man provides the reference point for most of their attacks.

Real Madrid

The record 13-time European champions have often leant on their pedigree to overcome indifferent runs of form but it’s clear to see they have yet to replace Cristian Ronaldo.

Eden Hazard has yet to kick on to show why they invested a club record €100-million for his services but with

Los Blancos still able to challenge on all fronts during sub-par periods, it makes for ominous signs should they reach their top form.

The experience of Ramos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Casemiro – integral parts of their three-peat success, will once again play a pivotal role as they look for calmness, composure and control against the gung-ho attack of the La Dea.

But as with all good things, it must come to an end and what better script than for the new kids on the block to end to the illustrious dynasty of the modern Real.