Overall, the Champions League draw was featured with some excellent matchups, easy paths and some upset alerts. The group stage set the stage for big matchups to come in February and March. With groups that had Barca and Juventus, Real Madrid and Tottenham, PSG and Bayern Munich, lastly Atletico and Chelsea there were bound to be some juicy matchups in the round of 16.
The round of 16 #UCLdraw has been made 😍
Backing your team to progress? pic.twitter.com/v7I6dSq7Tc
— ★ #UCLdraw ★ (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2017
Martin’s Match to Watch: FC Barcelona vs Chelsea
The heated rivalry between these two teams needs no introduction. Both have a history of heated match-ups that were filled with controversy and late goals. From the blatant robbery in 2009 to anti-football’s victory in 2012, both teams have painful memories they’re looking to erase. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side has been far from their championship-winning form of last season and inconsistency has cost them points against the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace in league and an embarrassing 3-0 thrashing against Roma in Champions League. However, Chelsea’s 3-5-2 can certainly expose Barcelona’s weaknesses on the wing and clog up the middle for Messi as he tracks back. Look for Chelsea to attack Barcelona’s weaker right side and expose Sergi Roberto’s lack of pace.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have yet to show their natural spark this season but Valverde’s dull and risk-free tactics have them unbeaten so far. With Dembele and Umtiti both back for the first leg, a pistolero-like Luis Suarez appearing to make a return and a deadly Lionel Messi who can kill you with a clever ball or even finish, Barcelona are a force to be reckoned with.
Two sides with counteractive systems and with a heated history makes for a great Round of 16 matchup. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi as he attempts to end his dreaded Chelsea curse
Cam’s Match to Watch: Real Madrid vs PSG
The reigning Champions will have their hands full against PSG as they meet in the knockout round for the first time ever. The last time these two teams met in the competition was back in the 2015-2016 season group stage. Both fixtures were defensive only conceded one goal between the two legs, with Madrid scoring the only goal. Both teams love to score but can play defensively when needed. This fixture should be back and forth based on the form of both teams. PSG were the top scorers in the group stage scoring 25 goals and only allowing 4, while Madrid scored 17 and only allowed 7. Both teams have stars on the front line and will be showcasing talents on the big stage. For PSG, Neymar, Mbappe, and Cavani can all score at will, while Ronaldo can do the same for Madrid.
Each team in this matchup has won twice, loss twice, and drawn twice. For me, the battle will be in the midfield between Luka Modric and Marco Verratti. Both midfielders can play back and mop up in defense as well as distribute to the forwards. Kroos and Pastore will have to find open space, while Draxler will occupy Casemiro in the in the PSG attacking area. This matchup could go either way and will be a toss up as soon as the match kicks off. Plus, Mbappe versus his idol is a match made in heaven.
Martin’s Upset Alert: Sevilla vs Manchester United
Sevilla has been one of the most underrated teams in the top 5 leagues in several years. A side that consistently loses their star players and managers year after year while still causing Real Madrid and Barcelona trouble. The Andalucia giants are undefeated at home this season while outscoring their opponents 27-9. In fact, their last home defeat came against Juventus in November 2016 when they lost 3-1. The attack-friendly Sevilla will look to dominate the possession while United sit back and defend but as opponents can attest, it is very difficult to keep Sevilla off the scoresheet at home. Throughout the course of last season, Sevilla went just three games without scoring a goal. Though they are not a great road team, a victory in Seville and an away goal would be massive for the Spanish side.
Cam’s Upset Alert: Shakhtar Donetsk vs AS Roma
The game to watch closely will be Shakhter Donetak and AS Roma. Shakhter shocked all when they beat a youthful Manchester City side 2-1 to secure their place in the Round of 16. They beat out a very strong Napoli side for the final spot in group F. Roma on the other hand won their group on tiebreakers against Chelsea. The last time these to teams played was in the round of 16 back in the 2010-2011 season. Shakhter shocked Roma winning the first leg 2-3 on in the Italian capital and also won the return leg 3-0. Shakhter don’t get much coverage as they are in the Ukrainian league but are never afraid of the underdog role. With the final being held in Keiv, Ukraine, there will be more meaning for the players to excite the fans. Roma consider yourself on upset alert.
Martin’s Easiest Matchup: Bayern vs Besiktas
It’s no secret that both Bayern and Manchester City got the easiest opponents that were available. However, I give Bayern the nod for easiest matchup simply because the Allianz Arena is a fortress for the German giants. Unbeaten at home this season and have dominated every single one of their opponents in the process. Despite a turbulent start to the season, Bayern is slowly running away with the league (again) and are eight points clear of second place. Meaning, by February and March, Heynckes can focus on just the Champions League and rest the likes of Ribery and Robben to prevent any injuries. The addition of James Rodriguez have given Bayern the creative midfielder they were so desperately looking for. Bayern are starting to click more and more each game and with a mastermind like Heynckes on the bench, there’s little to no chance for a Besiktas miracle.
Cam’s Easiest Matchup: Basel vs Manchester City
Manchester City have been nothing than outstanding this season. 11 points clear in the Premier League, winning UEFA group with two games left, and scoring at will have made the Cityzens a threat to any team around Europe. City have the depth and quality to have an amazing season filled with trophies. Stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, and David Silva have been the source of late with De Bruyne and Silva bossing midfield, allowing Sane to rip defenses apart. Basel on the other side didn’t have the greatest group stage. Suffering a a 3-0 loss against Manchester United and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow. Basel did beat United on home soil in a defense 1-0 battle. That game plan will need to be the same against City and wait to burst on the counter-attack if they have any chance of winning this fixture.
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