Champions League Round of 16 Recap and Predictions

One of the all time great sporting competitions is back this week. The Champions League round of 16 wrapped up on Thursday, and fans were treated to even more of the drama and brilliance that this competition consistently delivers.

Barcelona v. Benfica

Starting us off with the first game of the week. Barcelona versus Benfica made up for the less exciting first leg draw by giving us four goals and excitement on both sides of the field. Barcelona came out quick showing us why they are the tournament favorites.

17-year-old Lamine Yamal was the true highlight of the game. He opened the match with a ridiculous assist to Raphinha, then followed it up by scoring his signature curling shot into the far post to take the lead. There is not enough praise in the world that could go to one player. Once again Yamal has made the world wonder if he’s actually a 30-year-old soccer genius trapped in a teenager’s body.

Inter Milan v. Bayern Munich

No surprises came from the Bayern – Leverkusen or Inter – Feyenoord fixtures. Both Bayern and Feyenoord built off their first leg performances and took care of business.

The two sides matchup in the quarterfinal is one that I am extremely excited to see. Inter plays stereotypical Italian style with a focus on possession and defending. Bayern however takes an opposite approach, focusing on fast pace and goal scoring. It is going to be interesting to see how Inter plan to stop the attacking threat Bayern pose.

Liverpool v. PSG

The most anticipated match was by far Liverpool – PSG. Both sides have all but locked up their domestic leagues. The Champions League is all that they were focusing on. With the first leg having about as much drama as one could ask, all eyes were on the second leg.

Although striker Mo Salah has been brilliant all season he was given multiple chances to put the opposition away and failed, which does not bode well for his ‘Ballon d’or’ case. Most notably, Salah skyed what looked to be essentially a tap in at just the 4th minute of the game before missing a great chance in the box wide just a minute later.

Liverpool again getting beat on the wing like they have so many times before. Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold prove time and time again that although on the attack they are brilliant, it comes with being dreadful at defending. On this occasion, it was Robertson getting beat by Barcola, which led to the game tying goal.

Of course the game did not want to end in regulation and extra time was not enough either. Penalties would decide the match, leading to a PSG win, 4-1.

Both Allison and Donnarumma took the headlines however as the two keepers put on a show. Donnarumma received man of the match with a 8.9 FUTMOB rating – in large part because of his penalty shootout heroics. Allison played brilliantly as well receiving an 8.1 rating.

PSG have proven to be a dangerous team going forward in the competition and one that we could definitely see in the finals.

Dortmund v. Lille

A game that flew under the radar but provided an abundance of exciting moments came in the Dortmund – Lille matchup.

Dortmund have been a disappointment this season after reaching the finals last year. They currently sit in tenth place in the Bundesliga and have shown little signs of being able to recreate the same magic that was made last year.

Although falling behind early in the game, Dortmund showed resilience and most importantly composure. You could tell which team had experience in the competition and who didn’t. They would tie the game in the 55th minute and take the lead just 10 minutes later, ultimately controlling the match the rest of the way.

I do not see much more positive results coming Dortmund’s way in the competition. They will be playing Barcelona in the next stage. Coming in as large underdogs as they should.

Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid

We have seen these historic clubs matched up so many times before in all competitions. Atletico came into the match down a goal to the European giants. That lead would not last long.

In the first minute Atletico came out quick. They pressed hard and scored quick, tying the game on aggregate. The next 120 minutes would be played exactly how head coach Simeone instructs Atletico to play every game it feels. Parking the bus.

Although Real Madrid held the ball the majority of the game it was Atletico who was in charge. The held there defensive shape brilliantly by clogging the middle of the field not allowing Mbappe or Bellingham to hold the ball and create.

The game went to penalties, leading to one of the most controversial shootouts I’ve seen. Both Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa slipped on back-to-back shots but scored. However, the ref controversially disallowed Alvarez’s goal, claiming he touched it twice by shooting off his weak foot.

Real Madrid moved on, and continue in the competition that they have proven to be the kings of. They face another giant in the Quarterfinal in Arsenal. All eyes should be on this matchup next.

Quarterfinal Predictions

Looking at the next stage of the tournament makes me extremely excited. Barcelona are my favorites to come out of their side of the bracket. I expect them to handle Dortmund easily as well as both Inter and Bayern Munich.

On the other side of the bracket PSG will prove to be Aston Villas most dangerous threat in the competition to this point. Both sides have performed extremely well and will look to carry that to the next round.

Arsenal are in for an uphill battle against Real Madrid. Madrid are a team that does not lose in this competition – winning a record 15 times. I do not believe they have the attacking force to score on Madrid. Although it will be great to see Mbappe battle against Gabriel and Saliba on the other side of the field.

In a perfect world we will get to see a Barcelona – Real Madrid final for the first time in history. The sport is all about poetry and storylines and no script would be as good as those two teams facing each other in the end.

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