0
0
The best sports competition is back for the highly anticipated knockout stages. The knockout field consists of 16 teams, the individual group winners and the runners-up. The draw happened, and these are the matchups:
It’s a very balanced draw, but there are clear favorites in each matchup. Here is what you can expect from each pairing:
FC PORTO vs ARSENAL:
Arsenal is in the thick of the title race in the Premier League. Porto has been in tremendous form. If you’re looking for an upset, Port has a legitimate chance here. They are battle tested in European competitions. Talent wise, Arsenal have the edge, but experience in competition could be a big factor.
Experience: Porto
Roster: Arsenal
Manager: Arsenal
Form: Even
Prediction: Arsenal wins on a 3-2 Aggregate
NAPOLI vs BARCELONA:
If this was last seasons Napoli team, this would be an easy pick. But it’s not. This season’s Napoli sits 9th in Seri A. Even though the talent remains largely the same, the team is a shell of themselves. Coaching turmoil and unhappy players looking for a way out in the summer transfer period. Meanwhile, Barca is coasting along in La Liga, and is starting to put it together. Xavi’s resignation at the end of the season has put the team at ease.
Experience: Barcelona
Roster: Even
Manager: Barcelona
Form: Barcelona
Prediction: Barcelona advances on 4-3 Aggregate
PSG vs REAL SOCIEDAD:
Real Sociedad had a fast start in La Liga. They have been in good form and exceeding expectations. PSG is the billboard of underachievement. Gone are the superstars like Messi, Neyman, Sergio Ramos, with Mbappe being the lone remaining superstar (for the time being). Sometimes less is more, and that’s the case with PSG. Luis Enrique has them playing team ball and they are thriving in the league and getting out of a group of death in Champions League.
Experience: PSG
Roster: PSG
Manager: PSG
Form: Even
Prediction: PSG advances on 4-1 Aggregate
PSV EINDHOVEN vs BORUSSIA DORTMUND:
If there is a toss of pairing of matchups, this might be the one. PSV have been cruising in their domestic league. They have been outstanding. US viewers have something to look forward to with three US Men’s nationals on the current PSV squad. Dortmund have been chasing Bayern Leverkusen (yes, NOT Munich) in the Bundesliga, but have been playing very well in this season of Champions League.
Experience: Dortmund
Roster: Dortmund
Manager: Dortmund
Form: PSV
Prediction: Dortmund advances on 4-3 Aggregate (after extra time penalties)
F.C. COPENHAGEN vs MANCHESTER CITY:
Copenhagen has been the cinderella story of this Champions League. They got out of the group that featured Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray. Copenhagen was expected to finish last, but instead comfortably advanced in second place, while Man U bottomed out. Speaking of Manchester, City is an absolute powerhouse and defending champs of the competition. They are the clear favorites to win back-to-back. This is as big of a mismatch as you can get.
Experience: Manchester City
Roster: Manchester City
Manager: Manchester City
Form: Manchester City
Prediction: Manchester City advances on 5-1 Aggregate
INTER MILAN vs ATLETICO MADRID:
On paper this looks like another pick em’ toss up matchup, but not this season. Atleti always finds themselves going deep into competitions and in the top four of their domestic league, yearly. The team features a good amount of star power, lead by Antoine Griezmann and manager Diego Simeone. Inter is in top form. Not only are they coming off a Champions League final appearance, but they have been dominating Serie A comfortably this season. They are a real threat in this competition again.
Experience: Even
Roster: Even
Manager: Atletico Madrid
Form: Inter Milan
Prediction: Inter Milan advances on 4-2 Aggregate
LAZIO vs BAYERN MUNICH:
Lazio has been a nice story. Finished runner-up in Serie A last season, this season hasn’t been as strong. They have nice talent, lead by Ciro Immobile, but Munich is loaded with superstars. It hasn’t been the expected dominant season for Munich so far. The big summer signing of Harry Kane has paid off, but managerial instability has kept the team in flux. At the end of the day, they are infinitely more talented team in this matchup and should advance easily.
Experience: Bayern Munich
Roster: Bayern Munich
Manager: Bayern Munich
Form: Bayern Munich
Prediction: Bayern Munich advances on 4-1 Aggregate
RB LEIPZIG vs REAL MADRID:
RB Leipzig are perennial Champions League competitors, but Real Madrid are the standard of this competition. Real has quietly been dominant in all competitions this season. Carlo Ancelotti has his guys in top form and playing up to expectations. This team always finds a way to threaten for the Champions League crown. Should be no different this season.
Experience: Real Madrid
Roster: Real Madrid
Manager: Real Madrid
Form: Real Madrid
Prediction: Real Madrid advances on 3-0 Aggregate
I expect this to be a fun and competitive knockout stage round of 16, but what awaits in the final 8 promises to be even more exciting. If it all goes to form, we should have some insane final 8 matchups with powerhouse clubs all over the place. That’s when the fun really begins. As much as Man City’s the favorite, there can be several clubs that find themselves in the final.
