The Champions League is back and the knockout stage is finally here. The most exciting competition in world soccer starts up again with the round of 16 beginning today. Here are the 8 matchups we have to look forward to in this UEFA window:
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid
Without a doubt the marquee matchup of the round of 16 is absolutely full of storylines. We start with Lionel Messi facing off yet again with his eternal rivals from Real Madrid, following all those years with Barcelona. The last time Messi battled with Real Madrid in Champions League, Barca eliminated 'Los Merengues with a 3-1 aggregate score. Messi scored 2 goals in that tie, both in their road game in the Spanish capital.
On the PSG side, Kylian Mbappe has been long rumored to be joining Real Madrid this upcoming summer. This matchup could serve as his audition for the Real Madrid fans, who have been salivating at the prospects of the young French world champion wearing the famous white jersey.
Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City
The UEFA Champions League finalist for 2021 was gifted one of the easier draws on paper in the round of 16. Pep Guardiola and Man City will be tested though, as Portugal hasn't always been good to them. Last year, City lost the UCL Final to Chelsea in Lisbon. And just a few seasons ago, they were eliminated by Lyon during the COVID year UCL knockout stage, also in the Portuguese capital. Sporting finds themselves second in the Liga Primeira, and will no doubt have massive fan support at home when the City boys come to town.
But the sky blues from Manchester are without a doubt massive favorites going into this tie. Their 9 point lead in the Premier League has displayed incredible form and resilience, and you would be hard pressed to find anyone picking against them in this 2 game matchup with Sporting.
Liverpool vs. Inter Milan
A matchup of historic teams in Europe will also be a matchup of teams who find themselves in second place of their respective domestic league tables. Liverpool will visit the San Siro first to open this tie, just as the Reds are back to full strength following the extended absences for both Mo Salah and Sadio Mane due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Inter Milan meanwhile are coming off a heartbreaking loss to city rivals AC Milan, subsequently giving up the top spot in Serie A. The sale of Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea has made scoring a lot tougher to come by for the Neroazzuri, so the big question is if they can keep up with the offensive juggernaut that is Liverpool.
FC Bayern vs. Red Bull Salzburg
The 2020 UCL Champions got a favorable draw, but it will still be an interesting matchup between these two squads. For Americans, the obvious pull to this game is USA standout Brendan Aaronson getting the chance to play against one of the biggest clubs in the world in Bayern Munich. The German champions will be motivated after a shocking loss this past weekend against VFL Bochum, a lower level team in the Bundesliga. These could mean a lack of confidence for Bayern, or it could mean a buzzsaw is coming for Salzburg as they take their anger out to avenge that loss.
Villarreal vs. Juventus
This may not seem like a good matchup if you look at club history, but this is my dark horse for matchup of the Round of 16. (excluding the obvious Real Madrid vs. PSG) Villarreal is coming off their UEFA Europa League conquest from last season, and Juventus is reeling from the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo right before the season began.
The Italians find themselves in 4th in the Serie A table, and has struggled to find their form this season. Still they will be the favorites going into the matchup, but expect a grinding fight from the yellow submarine from Spain.
Chelsea vs. Lille
The defending champions in Chelsea take on the reigning French domestic titleholders in Lille. The Blues are coming into this match during probably their low point in form during this season. Yes, they recently celebrated their Club World Cup Championship, but they've dropped several points in the Premier League over the last month. They've also struggled to score goals with their forwards. Still Thomas Tuchel and company come in with confidence and hope following their latest trophy and hope that Lukaku can continue in his scoring ways.
Chelsea's defense will have to keep Canadian Jonathan David and American Tim Weah in check as Lille will be lloking to outscore the Blues right from the start in this tie.
Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United
Another intriguing matchup between big time European clubs when Diego Simeone and his Atletico Madrid take on Cristiano Ronaldo and his 'Red Devils'.
As we've seen, Man United have struggled. Even with its combination of superstars in attack, the team have lacked cohesion and it's become a real issue. Poor results in the Premier League have produced doubt amongst the team, especially with new manager Ralf Ragnick and his American assistant Chris Armas.
Meanwhile on the red side of Madrid, Atletico has also struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid and others in La Liga. While they are not the team they once were, the physical style and desperate nature of their soccer will play a role in this tie, and the likes of Luis Suarez always make Atletico a dangerous club to play against.
Ajax vs. Benfica
These two squads were both happy to avoid one of the top teams in the round of 16, and were no doubt a bit relieved when this matchup was drawn. The school of Ajax has been producing top players in the Champions League for years, and they'll continue to do so with a new crop of young talent.
Benfica is sitting in third place in Liga Primeira of Portugal and has struggled to close out games. But they'll look to enjoy a raucous home crowd at the stadium of light in hopes of getting past their Dutch opponents.
