Predictions: UEFA Champions League Round of 16

The UEFA Champions League usually serves up some perfect matchups between European heavyweights. This years Round of 16 will certainly give soccer fans some great matches. With just 16 of Europe’s top teams left, the competition starts to heat up. It is the first knockout round and each team plays two matches. One home and one away with aggregate (combined score) being the decider of who advances.

PSG vs. Chelsea 

First leg: February 17 at PSG

Final Result: PSG 1 Chelsea 1

Second Leg: March 11 at Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea 2 PSG 1 A.E.T.

Chelsea advance, but this is going to be a very tight game. Chelsea will win in extra time. PSG looked good in the first leg but their inability to score a second goal will end up being fatal.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich 

First Leg: February 17 at Shakhtar

Final Result: Shakhtar 0 Bayern Munich 0

Second Leg: March 11 at Bayern Munich

Prediction: Bayern Munich 4 Shakhtar 0

The Germans have too much firepower and will rout Shakhtar in Germany. Bayern knows how to do well in this competition and I believe they will make a deep run this year.

Schalke vs. Real Madrid

First Leg: February 18 at Schalke

Final Result: Real Madrid 2 Schalke 0

Second Leg: March 10 at Real Madrid

Prediction: Real Madrid 3 Schalke 1

In the second leg, Real Madrid will be able to take an early lead and end any hope that Schalke had of a comeback. Ronaldo starred in the first match, and their is a good chance he does again in the second.

FC Basel vs. FC Porto

First Leg: February 18 at Basel

Final Result: Basel 1 Porto 1

Second Leg: March 10 at Porto

Prediction: Porto 3 Basel 0

Basel were lucky to escape with a draw in the first leg and Porto will prove to be too much when they meet again.

Manchester City vs. FC Barcelona 

First Leg: February 24 at Manchester City

Prediction: Barcelona 2 Manchester City 1

Second Leg: March 18 at Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona 1 Manchester City 0

Barcelona will simply outclass Manchester City this year. Messi, Neymar, and Suarez will be to much for a shaky City defense. Expect to see both sides go toe to toe in a must watch matchup.

Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund 

First Leg: Februaruy 24 at Juventus

Prediction: Juventus 3 Dortmund 2

Second Leg: March 18 at Dortmund

Prediction: Dortmund 3 Juventus 0

A complete turn around for Dortmund as they knock Juventus out. Jurgen Klopp has proven he knows how to win in the Champions League once again. Don’t be fooled by Dortmund’s poor league form as they have won two straight and star man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is firing on all cylinders.

Arsenal vs. AS Monaco

First Leg: February 25 at Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal 3 Monaco 0

Second Leg: March 17 at Monaco

Prediction: Arsenal 1 Monaco 0

Arsenal should be able to handle AS Monaco in this round. I expect a good match but Monaco will be unable to find the back of the net in London. Arsene Wenger’s return to Monaco will be a tight match but I think Monaco will have trouble scoring.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid 

First Leg: February 25 at Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 0 Atletico Madrid 0

Second Leg: March 17 at Atletico Madrid

Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3 Bayer Leverkusen 1

Atletico are a very strong side and have experience in the Champions League. I do not think Bayer Leverkusen will put up much of a threat to last years runner-up.