The road to Wanda Metropolitano continues. The group stage competition was a success, and after getting two teams from each group, they will have to face each other. Only a winner will be the decided at the end of everything, it's just a matter of time to find out who it will be. The round of sixteen will begin on 12th of February and end on the 9th of June, 2019. All teams still have a lot of time to prepare. Sixteen teams have been paired to face each other already, let's see the fixtures below and analyze who will and who wouldn't make it through.
Schalke 04 vs Manchester City
Well, all the away teams are considered the favorites because they came first in their respective groups, we can say the same for this match. However, Schalke 04 can't be written off like that. We saw them play in the group stage; they pulled out a wonderful performance and could bring that spirit into the round of sixteen.
If there's anything Guardiola wants more, it's definitely the champions league trophy. Pairing with Schalke 04 is like an easy gateway for him, he won't want to spare them. They will have to play two matches to determine the winner anyway, may the best team win.
Atletico Madrid vs Juventus
These two teams have been performing well in the champions league so far, but they are always unlucky. Both Atletico Madrid and Juventus has gotten to the champions league final twice in five years. They've also been defeated in the quarter final and semi final stages, so this shows their zeal to win the trophy. This is one of the toughest fixture. Although, Juventus is considered the favorite, but Massimiliano Allegri knows who his team will be facing. Atletico has been responsible for Barcelona's exit twice, while Juventus has also sent Barcelona away once. Predicting who will advance is a bit difficult.
And about their form, Juventus has been superb in her league, while Atletico Madrid has been struggling to stay on top. It doesn't matter, does it? We will find out next year.
Manchester United vs PSG
Only a miracle will make Manchester United advance to the next stage - that's what most football fans believe. But football can't be analyzed that way, anything happens in it. The new UEFA rule allows new signings to play, Red devils might bring in a super star to unite the team. Mourinho, one of the best coaches in the world, is still their manager, and we know what he can do. Manchester United is still fit to shock us all despite their poor performance this season.
Paris Saint German on the other hand has always wanted to win this trophy, but they always gets into the wrong hands. Barcelona and Real Madrid has been responsible for their exits in recent times. Now that they got an easier fixture, they will be hoping to pull it through.
Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund is considered the team with the greatest form this season. They've relaxed for two seasons and Bayern Munich has dominated the whole of Germany. Now that they are back in form, they got the top spot. Pairing with Tottenham is a nice challenge to them. It wouldn't be difficult, and it wouldn't be easy also. They've played against better opponents, but Tottenham can't be written off.
Tottenham got lucky and qualified for the next round, since Inter Milan couldn't secure a win. They are the underdogs here, but no one will deny they are one of the greatest teams in England. The team is known for their consistency and passion to always win. If they end up knocking Dortmund, we shouldn't be surprised.
UEFA (2016) CC BY-SA 3.0 in Wikimedia commons
Lyon vs Barcelona
Manchester City went through hell to get a point from Lyon, this shows how dangerous they are too. Barcelona is definitely the favorite, but they know who they are up against. Lyon has a great history in the champions league, they aren't a team to write off.
Barcelona hasn't gotten to the semi finals in a long time, they are thirsty for the trophy. With what they saw against Roma last season, they wouldn't belittle Lyon.
Roma vs Porto
Roma hasn't been totally superb this season, that's why Porto is the favorite here. Porto didn't loss a game in their group, but Roma had a tough time in theirs. Well, this is a group where anything can happen. Roma has passed through this stage countless times. And most times, Porto journey ends here. Let's hope this changes this time.
Ajax vs Real Madrid
We all saw what Ajax did in group A. Bayern Munich couldn't secure a win against them in both leagues. Real Madrid might not get one too, especially with their poor form. Real Madrid lost against CSKA Moscow, a team they could have won easily. They've lost against so many teams in the Spanish league, and are fighting to even make the top four. Ajax on the other hand, has been great. The match against Bayern isn't the only thing used in judging them, their performance and closeness to win the Europa league might see them through here too.
Real Madrid might bring in another coach or better players next month, and this might change a lot. The defending champions can't just be written off against any team.
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich
The pride of England will be facing the pride of Germany. This is the toughest match in this stage. Klopp will be facing a team he spent years playing with. He knows everything about Bayern, and has defeated them a couple of times. Can he do it again? Talking about form, Liverpool has a better form this season. Bayern Munich hasn't been that great team we know, but February is a long time to start judging things now.
Lewandowski might end Ronaldo and Messi's reign if he scores and advance to the next stage to keep scoring. If he doesn't, Messi might win the golden boot, and the legacy will continue. Crowning a goal scorer is the least of Bayern's worry anyway, they need a win - they need to qualify.
Which eight teams are you counting on? Which teams will qualify? Let me see your reactions in the comment section below.
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