After a long break for soccer fans, the UEFA Champions League is back with the knockout stage. Today marks the day that all teams remaining begin to dream about lifting the trophy. Although there are a select few of teams categorized as ‘actual title contenders’, the Champions League has left us many surprises over the years.
The matchups are unpredictable to call as anything can happen. And what’s not better than some predictions to test our soccer knowledge (or luck). Here’s CSM’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Predictions.
Paris-Saint-Germain (FRA) vs. Real Madrid (SPA)
Harold: Paris Saint-Germain is the leader of Ligue 1 in France but will that be enough to beat the leaders of La Liga in Spain? This matchup is the hardest to predict as both teams have the offensive firepower to score goals on end. PSG’s Kylian Mbappe has scored 4 goals in the 6 matches in the UEFA Champions League group stage and will do everything in his power to keep the Paris giants alive in the two legs of this matchup.
Lionel Messi will also face a familiar foe in Real Madrid where he has netted 26 goals and contributed with 14 assists in his career against “Los Merengues”. Messi has played better as of the 2022 calendar year and is looking to land a blow in eliminating Real Madrid with his new team.
Although PSG have the names to knock out a giant, they better be careful that Real Madrid don’t surprise them with an upset at Parc des Princes in France and set themselves up for a great game in Madrid in El Santiago Bernabeu. Karim Benzema will lead a front line with upcoming Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. who is having a breakout season and could be the difference maker in one of the two games.
Prediction: PSG Advances 5-4 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: This matchup is expected to be the most entertaining to watch due to multiple reasons: Sergio Ramos’s return to Madrid, Messi vs. Real Madrid, Mbappe being rumored to join Real Madrid, etc. Both teams come into this matchup in similar form. Both teams currently sit at the top of their respective domestic leagues.
Nevertheless, both of these teams also come in with a lot of question marks. ‘Los Blancos’ and the ‘Parisians’ have recently been knocked out of their respective domestic cups and have also struggled domestically with many last-minute wins. Due to this, I believe this matchup will be won by the more mentally-stronger side. PSG seem to be on the shorter hand of the stick as many of their stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. have been questioned for their involvement in the team. They will have more pressure given the rumors that Kylian Mbappe had agreed terms with the 13-time winners. Nevertheless, the same pressure could be on Madrid as Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. haven’t scored in 4 games.
In the end, I believe that PSG’s ‘Champions-League or Bust’ mentality will be the deciding factor to narrowly beat Real Madrid.
Prediction: PSG 4-3 Real Madrid On Aggregate Score
Sporting C.P. (POR) vs. Manchester City (ENG)
Harold: As much as I would love for this matchup to be competitive, Manchester City has been playing in what I regard the best league in the world and will be able to beat Sporting C.P. convincingly. Manchester City has lost two of it’s six games so far in the group stage but with great form in the Premier League and holding a 9 point lead over Liverpool, Pep Guardiola will have the team focused on the task at hand. Sporting C.P. did qualify second in Group C with 9 points and in their history have won all their two-legged matchups against English clubs but this will be their first.
Prediction: Manchester City Advances 6-2 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: Every year, there’s always that one team that makes history by making out of the group stage against all odds. That team this season is Sporting Clube de Portugal. The bad part about the fairytale is that they usually get paired with one of the Champions League contenders. Once again, Manchester City got a manageable draw against the team that sent Erling Haaland and Borussia Dortmund to the Europa League.
Although Manchester City are the clear favorites in this tie, there is a slim possibility that Sporting could pull an upset. Sporting is known for taking the initiative and having control in how the match plays out. Being the more dominant team is something that many don’t dare to do against Man City as Pep and his men focus heavily on possession. If Sporting decide to take control over City, it will either be a Ruben Amorin masterclass, or just another devastating City win. The latter option seems like the more ideal situation.
Prediction: Manchester City 5-2 Sporting CP On Aggregate Score
RB Salzburg (AUS) vs. Bayern München (GER)
Harold: In this matchup, I expect RB Salzburg to put up a fight in their home game but when Bayern Munchen plays at home that will be the defining factor in this series. Bayern Munchen have played six games and won all six as they topped Group E. They were able to score 22 goals and have only received 3 in Champions League play.
I expect more of the same in this matchup as RB Salzburg has only scored 8 goals and received 6 goals and this will not be enough to knock out one of the favorites in this year’s tournament. Robert Lewandowski 9 goals in just the group stage and I guarantee he adds to this tally in these two games.
Prediction: Bayern Munchen Advances 6-1 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: Similarly to Manchester City vs Sporting CP, this is one of the more unbalanced matchups on paper. Nevertheless, this will be a matchup between two domestic league winners, where ironically both of them have won their league titles for the past 8 years. RB Salzburg made history by making it out of the group stage for the first time in their history, and they were rewarded with a 6-time Champions League winner. The Austrian champions will come into this match with some hope as the Bavarians recently lost this weekend to VFL Bochum 4-2.
Although RB Salzburg can believe that the stars are aligning for them, they’ll need to beat a Bayern side who won all of their group stage games. If anything, the stars are aligning for Robert Lewandowski as he could continue to rally up his Champions League goal tally. Things don’t look very good for RB Salzburg. If they’re lucky, they could hold Bayern to a draw in the first leg, but even then, it looks very unlikely.
Prediction: Bayern Munchen 7-0 RB Salzburg On Aggregate Score
Inter Milan (ITA) vs. Liverpool (ENG)
Harold: What a few games we will all be lucky to see. An old fashioned English versus Italian matchup where two great teams are looking to stay alive for another round. An exit in the competition at this time would be devastating for Liverpool who are coming off dominating Group B where they earned 18 points with a win in every game they played.
The addition of Diogo Jota has bolstered the Merseyside frontline and we cannot forget about the two headed monster who will be returning from the AFCON tournament. Salah and Mane will be looking to score against one of the tougher defensives in this round as Inter Milan have only allowed 5 goals in their six games in the group stage.
The Italian club will need to continue this trend as they only score 1.34 goals per game and Liverpool score 2.84 goals per game. Inter must rely on Alexis Sanchez, Edin Dzeko, and Lautaro Martinez who will need to have big games to knock out a team who is looking to win it all this year!
My prediction: Liverpool Advances 5-3 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: After 3 consecutive years of crashing out of the group stage, Inter finally returns to the knockout stage. As a reward, they will play the team that has made it out of the group stage for the past 5 seasons. At the beginning of the season, many questioned the appointment of Simeone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi did a good job at Lazio, but many believed that he was not ready to fill in Antonio Conte’s shoes. He has proved many wrong as he managed Inter to the knockout stage and has them in a title race in the Serie A. Liverpool, on the other hand, seem to be out of their domestic title race, as they currently sit 9 points behind Pep’s City. Due to this, Jurgen Klopp may as well put most of his focus on the Champions League. Inter, however, will be in the title race with A.C. Milan and Napoli for the rest of the season.
Many clubs aren’t able to go far in multiple competitions due to the pressure and matchups, which will give the Reds the upper hand. I see Liverpool completely dominating Inzaghi’s Inter in both legs.
Prediction: Liverpool Advances 4-2 On Aggregate Score
Chelsea (ENG) vs. LOSC Lille (FRA)
Harold: The Champions of the World are coming back from winning the FIFA Club World Cup against Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi and will face off against last season’s Ligue 1 Champions Lille. In this matchup, I am heavily favoring the English club coached by Thomas Tuchel who has achieved so much in his first year in charge of the team.
Chelsea is looking to repeat which has not been done since Real Madrid had their three-peat from 2015 to 2018 and they must be able to get past a tough French team that will give everything it has to reach the next round. Lille is struggling in Ligue 1 this year and will have to buckle down defensively and make the most of the opportunities they do have in front of goals as Chelsea will dominate possession in both games.
My prediction: Chelsea Advances 5-1 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: The current Champions League winners will begin their title-defense against the current French champions. Like most matchups, this one seems very one-sided. Chelsea come into this matchup as the current World Club Cup champions will face the 10th-placed team in Ligue 1. One of them are favorites to win the whole thing, while the other might not play European soccer next season.
Chelsea have more than enough on paper to beat a Lille squad who had only 2 points in their first 3 Group Stage games. Despite this, there’s always that one team who makes a good run in the Champions League despite having terrible league form. For example, Tottenham made it to the final in 2019 despite barely being able to hold onto the last Champions League berth. In 2020, Olympique de Lyon made it to the semi finals, knocking out Juventus and Manchester City on the way.
Despite being the current Champions League winners, I believe Chelsea’s inconsistencies will cost them the tie and Lille will pull the upset.
Prediction: Lille Advances 4-3 On Aggregate Score
Villareal (SPA) vs. Juventus (ITA)
Harold: The yellow submarine makes an appearance in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds after over a decade of missing out on European football at the highest level. Juventus are in deep water in the Serie A but are looking to pounce on the newcomers and advance to the next round. The Italian giants will not have their star forward Federico Chiesa who has scored 2 goals in the group stage. Nevertheless, the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic will be the spark they need to get past a team who I believe is still trying to get through in the UEFA Champions League. Unai Emery has been successful in many other tournaments but it will not be enough to knock off Juventus.
My prediction: Juventus Advances 4-2 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: After beating Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final, Villareal managed to beat a good Atalanta team to claim the last spot in the knockout stage. Now they will face a Juventus side who are currently going through a transitioning period. This is set to be an even matchup as both started off poorly domestically, but have picked it up since. Juventus is now 4th in the Serie A while Villareal is now 3 points away from a Champions League berth.
If you look at this matchup on paper, Juventus narrowly take the edge as their squad is full of experienced players. With the addition of Dusan Vlahovic, ‘La Vecchia Signora’ seem to have a more rejuvenated attack alongside Moise Kean. Although Unai Emery is a master at European cup competitions, I believe Allegri’s leadership and the squad’s experience will lead to the best 8.
Prediction: Juventus Advance 3-1 On Aggregate Score
Atletico Madrid (SPA) vs. Manchester United (ENG)
Harold: What I believe to be the second best matchup of this round, we have Atletico Madrid who are coming off a tough loss to Barcelona a few weeks ago and Manchester United who’s Ragnick experiment has left more to desire. I am not sure of the new coach at the helm of United but I am sure of Diego Simeone who has proven to be a great coach with fatal flaws of counter attacking football that sometimes is not enough to win the big game.
Over my time of watching UEFA knockout soccer, you have to tip your hat to Cristiano Ronaldo who has carried most of this teams with amazing performances but will he be able to do it again? Unfortunately, no. Ronaldo and this flat Manchester team have defensive deficiencies that will cost them as they have in the past few years. I see this as a high scoring two game series but the team with the better defense will prevail.
I am not a fan of Simeone’s tactics as he waits for his team to trail in order to allow the truly beautiful soccer which they can achieve. But it will be enough to get past a Manchester team who is struggling on all phases of the pitch.
Prediction: Atletico Advances 4-3 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: This one will be the most even matchup in every aspect. Both teams were recently bounced out of their respective domestic cup competitions. Both teams seem to be out of their domestic title races. Lastly, both teams are struggling on both sides of the pitch: defensively and offensively. Atletico Madrid are going through an identity crisis, as their usual defensive style of play is biting them in the back now. Atleti has lost 3 of their last 5 games, where they’ve conceded 13 goals in those matches. The same could be said for Manchester United as they’ve only won 2 of their last 5 games, where their biggest star hasn’t been able to score. But if United fans want to be optimistic, Ronaldo plays the team who he has scored the most. Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in 5 of Atletico’s last 7 Champions League eliminations. But like everything in life, things come to an end.
Manchester United don’t have that offensive punch in them this season. Given that their top scorer in the Champions League hasn’t scored at all in 2022, and that Atletico Madrid are coming off 2 last-minute wins, things might just play in Atletico’s favor. In a very intense and low-scoring matchup, ‘los Colchoneros’ will find a way to score via a Harry Maguire error.
Prediction: Atletico Advances 4-3 On Aggregate Score
Benfica (POR) vs. Ajax (NED)
Harold: Benfica is looking to capitalize on the opportunity that has been earned as they were key to knocking out Barcelona in Group E. They held their own destiny and got a much needed result against Dynamo Kyiv to advance to this point in the competition. Ajax is also looking to make another deep run as they did in 2018-2019. They were top of Group C as they won all their games. This young and hungry group is looking to tell all of Europe that they are a team no one should want to face.
Defensively, Ajax has only allowed 5 goals in league play and 5 goals in UEFA Champions League group stage. If Ajax can continue to hold down the fort defensively and make the most of their opportunities with Sebastian Haller, then they should be able to move forward in the competition. This matchup will be as closely contested as much as the marquee matchups of this round. One of these two teams will have the opportunity to create havoc in the UEFA Champions League depending on their draw in the next round.
My prediction: Ajax Advances 3-1 On Aggregate Score
Salvador: This is the UEFA Champions League matchup that will get overlooked by many. While many will be focusing on matchups like PSG-Real Madrid or Atletico-United, this matchup could define who will be this year’s dark horses. Benfica are in the knockout stage after sending FC Barcelona in the Europa League. Ajax, on the other hand, are in the Round of 16 after topping their group which included Sporting C.P. and Borussia Dortmund.
Benfica have a fierce young attack with Everton Soares and Darwin Nunez up front. They’ve shown that they could be hurtful in the attack, which is reflected in their 3-0 win over Barcelona. Although they have a promising attack, they will have a difficult task in beating the Ajax. Not to mention, they won all of their group stage games. After 1-2 years of rebuilding, Ajax could make another deep run in the Champions League, as they look unstoppable. Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Edson Alvarez have done a magnificent job in holding it down for the Dutch giants.
If Erik ten Hag manages to control the midfield in this game, they could leave an open pathway for the likes of Dusan Tadic and Antony to take over.
Predictions: Ajax Advances 4-2 On Aggregate Score
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