Champions League Knockout Bracket
Prediction: Barcelona will continue to inflict misery on PSG, winning both games. But they’ll be close.
Real Madrid vs. Napoli
Feb. 15 and March 7
Analysis: Real Madrid, the defending Champions League winner and Group F runner-up, will face Group B winner Napoli. Real Madrid is better equipped to handle the simultaneous demands of domestic and continental pursuits, so its title defense should continue into the next round.
2 – Real Madrid have not lost any game in European competitions against Napoli (2GP, 1W 1D, European Cup 1987/88). Precedent
— OptaJose (@OptaJose)
Prediction: Napoli will put up a fight at home, but Real Madrid will sweep the Italian club aside when the series comes to Spain.
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
Feb. 15 and March 7
Analysis: This one’s the other can’t-miss matchup, but if you do, just wait until next year. They’ll probably play again.
3 – Arsenal have been eliminated from all three of their Champions League knockout ties against Bayern Munich (2005, 2013, 2014). Haunted.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenal in the round of 16 in 2013 and 2014, and the teams split their group-stage meetings last season. Pep Guardiola was in charge of Bayern Munich last season, but Carlo Ancelotti now occupies the hot seat. Group D runner-up Bayern Munich is slightly weaker than in recent seasons, and Group A winner Arsenal is a bit stronger.
Prediction: Arsenal will finally overcome Bayern Munich — on away goals — and end its six-year streak of round of 16 eliminations.
Manchester City vs. Monaco
Feb. 21 and March 15
Analysis: Group C runner-up Manchester City probably is breathing a sigh of relief, having drawn Group E winner Monaco.
3 – Man City are unbeaten in all three of their previous meetings with French league sides (W1 D2). Allez.
1 – This will be the first competitive encounter between Monaco & Manchester City. Attractive.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean)
Guardiola should have a better feel for his squad in two months’ time. Like City, Monaco also is in a domestic title race but the French club lacks the depth of its English opponent.
Prediction: Manchester City will win both games and advance comfortably.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid
Feb. 21 and March 15
Analysis: Group E runner-up Bayer Leverkusen will take on Group D winner Atletico Madrid in a rematch of their 2015 round of 16 encounter. Atletico Madrid won on penalty kicks two seasons ago.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid will hold Bayer Leverkusen to a goal-less draw in Germany and win by two goals in Spain.
Porto vs. Juventus
Feb. 22 and March 14
Analysis: Group H winner Juventus and Group G runner-up Porto compete in the Champions League almost every season but rarely cross paths. They’ll face off with Juventus the heavy favorite to advance, based on past and present results.
Prediction: Porto will beat Juventus in Portugal but lose heavily in the return leg in Italy.
Sevilla vs. Leicester City
Feb. 22 and March 14
Analysis: Group H runner-up Sevilla has more European pedigree and better domestic form than Group G winner Leicester City, but we’ve a funny feeling that Leicester will manage to prolong its European adventure.
Prediction: Leicester will earn a surprise win in Spain and hold Sevilla to a wild draw at home in the return leg.
