With the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 set to begin on Tuesday, March 4, the battle for a place in the quarter-finals is heating up. Based on form, squad depth, and European pedigree, here are the eight teams likely to advance.
1) Aston Villa
Aston Villa has made a remarkable return to European competitions under Unai Emery. Their disciplined approach has yielded positive results, including victories over Young Boys and Bayern Munich, allowing them to swiftly go through to the RO16 without having to go through the playoffs.
Facing Club Brugge, Aston Villa are expected to secure them a spot in the quarter-finals.
2) Real Madrid
A Madrid derby in the Champions League knockout stages is always a spectacle, but Real Madrid holds the edge over Atlético Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been dominant in Europe over the years, with no club having more UCL success. Not to mention, they boast players with immense big-game experience. This predictability has led many bettors to look at the Spanish side when making bets. Money regularly pours in from many countries—a rise in India 1xbet has continue to fuel international markets.
For one, Kylian Mbappé’s recent rise in form, as displayed in his hat-trick against Manchester City to get through to the Round of 16, places the reigning champions as firm favourites for this tie.
Atlético will make it tough, but Los Blancos should prevail over two legs.
3) Arsenal
Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven in the RO16. Both teams are second in their respective leagues, promising an exciting match.
Despite recent offensive struggles, including a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners have maintained a solid defensive record.
The drive to win their first-ever European trophy gives them an edge over PSV, although, their injury woes will make it a hard-fought battle to the next round.
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4) Borrusia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund presents a curious case this season.
While their domestic league form has been erratic, sitting 10th in the Bundesliga, they have had some commendable performances in the Champions League this season and even reached the finals in the previous season.
Facing LOSC Lille, Dortmund’s European experience is expected to see them through to the quarter-finals.
5) Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s efficient and low-drama campaign has been a hallmark of their season.
The Italian club top the Serie A table, and missed the play-off round of the UCL, having finished fourth in the league phase.
Their solid performances in both domestic and European competitions make them favourites against Feyenoord.
6) Bayer Leverkusen
The all-German clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen is one of the most anticipated fixtures.
Leverkusen has been impressive, including a notable victory over Bayern in the DFB-Kopal.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern lead, with Leverkusen eight points behind. Their last three fixtures in all competitions have seen one win for Leverkusen, and two draws.
Alongside the Madrid derby, this tie sets itself as a must-watch and one that will be hard to predict.
7) Barcelona
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona has experienced a resurgence, leading La Liga and displaying a potent attack with 67 goals in 25 games.
Their offensive strength and renewed confidence make them favourites against Benfica.
Barcelona’s attacking depth and experience in European competitions are likely to carry them through to the next round.
8) Liverpool
Liverpool are having an outstanding season under manager Arne Slot, leading the Premier League by 13 points.
Their dominant form has positioned them as strong contenders for multiple trophies this season, including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.
Facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16, Liverpool’s current trajectory and formidable form make them favourites to advance to the quarter-finals.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Nico Herbertz