PSG face a real challenge
Paris Saint-Germain had to work very hard to get through the qualifying round. They were at risk of being eliminated but thanks to decisive victories in the final matches, Luis Enrique’s team won the right to continue. However, the 10-0 aggregate win over Brest in the play-off round did not have much professional value when the opponent was too weak.
The real big challenge awaits Luis Enrique’s team in the round of 16, when they will face one of two very strong teams, Liverpool or Barcelona. With a safe distance leading Ligue 1, Les Parisiens can focus all their efforts on the Champions League, the title they still crave.
PSG’s strongest point at the moment is in the attack. Ousmane Dembele is having the best season of his career, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has adapted very quickly. Enrique’s team has become much more diverse and unpredictable, as evidenced by the 7 goals in the second leg against Brest scored by 7 different players.
Will Real Madrid continue to assert their class?
Real Madrid once again proved their position when eliminating Man City – the reigning Champions League champions. Although sometimes losing points against smaller opponents in La Liga, Real always knows how to shine in the continental arena.
In the round of 16, Los Blancos’ opponents will be Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. Atletico is always a tough opponent with a pragmatic style of play under Diego Simeone, while Leverkusen is in impressive form in the Bundesliga. However, with a squad of stars of class and experience in the Champions League, Real Madrid is still the leading candidate for the title this season.
Bayern Munich faces many risks
Bayern Munich are facing many problems with their form. In the Bundesliga, they were recently overwhelmed by Leverkusen in a direct confrontation. In the Champions League, Bayern were almost dragged into extra time by Celtic when they trailed 0-1 in the third minute of injury time at home. If it weren’t for Alphonso Davies’ goal in the 90+4 minute, Bayern could be in danger of being eliminated in the play-off round.
In the round of 16, Bayern could face Atletico Madrid or Leverkusen, two opponents
Dortmund and the surprises in the round of 16
Dortmund are having a season to forget, falling to 11th place in the Bundesliga. Their hope for a place in the Champions League next season is to win this year’s tournament.
In the round of 16, they will face Aston Villa or Lille, two teams that are not highly rated but have caused a big surprise when they passed the qualifying round. Villa and Lille do not have much experience in the Champions League, but with their stable form, they can completely create a shock against Die Borussen.
The round of 16 of the Champions League promises to bring top matches. Europe’s top teams will have to enter a fierce battle right from the knockout round, making the tournament more attractive than ever.