Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg Preview: Who Will Reach the Quarter-Finals?

The UEFA Champions League returns this week with the decisive Round of 16 second legs, as Europe’s biggest clubs battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

The first legs delivered 32 goals across eight matches, leaving some ties finely balanced while others look almost settled. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish giants Real Madrid hold commanding advantages, while EPL clubs – who were winless in the first legs – face an uphill battle to qualify.

With the away goals rule no longer in place, any ties level on aggregate after 90 minutes will go to extra time and possibly penalties, meaning the drama is far from over.

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Sporting (0) – (3) Bodo/Glimt
Tuesday, 6:45pm

Sporting Lisbon must attempt a huge comeback after being stunned 3-0 in Norway in the first leg. The Portuguese side will take confidence from their excellent home form at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, where they have won 17 of their last 18 matches.

Bodo/Glimt, however, have already proven they can compete with Europe’s best this season. The Norwegian side have beaten Inter Milan, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid during their Champions League run and now travel to Lisbon looking to complete one of the competition’s biggest surprises.

Arsenal (1) – (1) Bayer Leverkusen
Tuesday, 9:00pm

Arsenal welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Emirates Stadium with the tie perfectly balanced after Kai Havertz’s late penalty rescued a 1-1 draw in Germany.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be confident at home, having lost just one of their last 22 UEFA matches at the Emirates. Arsenal also come into the game in strong domestic form after extending their Premier League lead at the weekend.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, have become specialists in tight games. Five of their last six matches in all competitions have ended in draws, highlighting just how difficult Kasper Hjulmand’s side are to break down.

Chelsea (2) – (5) PSG
Tuesday, 9:00pm

Chelsea face a massive task at Stamford Bridge after PSG stormed to a 5-2 win in the first leg in Paris.

The French champions blew the game open late on thanks to an inspired cameo from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored twice after coming off the bench. PSG now arrive in London with one foot in the quarter-finals as they chase back-to-back Champions League titles.

Chelsea will need a remarkable comeback if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their European campaign alive.

Man City (0) – (3) Real Madrid
Tuesday, 9:00pm

Manchester City face an enormous challenge after Real Madrid won 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg, with Federico Valverde scoring a stunning hat-trick.

Pep Guardiola’s side must now attempt a dramatic comeback at the Etihad Stadium against a Madrid team that thrives in Champions League knockout football. The Spanish giants also receive a huge boost with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both back in the squad after injury.

City have eliminated Madrid in this competition before, but overturning a three-goal deficit will require one of their greatest European performances.

Barcelona (1) – (1) Newcastle
Wednesday, 6:45pm 

This tie remains finely balanced after Lamine Yamal’s stoppage-time penalty earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw in the first leg at St James’ Park.

Barcelona will now look to take advantage of their strong home form, having scored five goals against Sevilla in La Liga on the weekend. Newcastle, however, arrive with confidence after defeating Chelsea on Saturday and will once again rely on their organised defence and dangerous counter-attacks.

The Magpies will be without captain Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar, which could prove crucial against Barcelona’s attacking quality.

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Bayern Munich (6) – (1) Atalanta
Wednesday, 9:00pm

Bayern Munich are almost certain to progress after a devastating 6-1 victory in the first leg in Bergamo.

The German giants simply need to manage the second leg at the Allianz Arena to confirm their place in the quarter-finals. However, Bayern have some unusual team news heading into the match with a goalkeeper injury crisis, which could see 16-year-old Leonard Prescott make his debut.

Atalanta will be hoping to restore some pride after suffering one of the heaviest defeats of the round.

Liverpool (0) – (1) Galatasaray
Wednesday, 9:00pm 

Liverpool head into the second leg at Anfield trailing 1-0 after Mario Lemina’s winning goal in Istanbul.

Arne Slot’s side will take encouragement from their strong home record in Europe this season, having won three of their four Champions League matches at Anfield. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has also been Liverpool’s most influential player in the competition with eight goal contributions.

Galatasaray and Victor Osimhen, however, are in excellent form and have already beaten Liverpool twice this season, meaning the Reds must produce a strong performance to overturn the deficit.

Tottenham (2) – (5) Atletico Madrid
Wednesday, 9:00pm

Tottenham face one of the toughest tasks of the round after suffering a 5-2 defeat in Madrid in the first leg.

Spurs showed signs of improvement in their recent draw with Liverpool, but they must produce a sensational comeback if they are to eliminate Diego Simeone’s experienced Atletico side.

The Spanish club have a strong record against English teams in European knockout ties and will feel confident of finishing the job in London.

Bet on the Champions League at Bet9ja

The Champions League Round of 16 second legs promise huge drama as teams fight for a place in the quarter-finals. Back your predictions for the biggest matches this week at Bet9ja!