Champions League: Here Come the Last 16

The Champions League is getting down to business. No more trips across Europe to play teams you’ve never heard of. No more endless group stages. And no more mistakes. The field is down to the last 16 who are facing off the way the competition was originally designed, a straight knockout bracket with everyone playing a home-and-home series decided by aggregate goals. Here’s a look at the eight matchups kicking off the second half of the tournament after a two-month hiatus.

Bayern Munich vs. Sporting Lisbon Here are two sides that have fallen off the pace in their domestic leagues slipping to fourth and third, respectively. Bayern is certainly the pedigree side in this matchup and the Olympic Stadium in Munich is never fun for an away side, but Sporting can’t be too disappointed with the draw. A draw in Germany could be enough for them to steal through with a home victory. Prediction: Bayern Munich.

Juventus vs. Chelsea History has made this a wonderful tie for Claudio Ranieri who was so unceremoniously ousted as Chelsea’s manager by Roman Abramovic. Now he is back at the helm of high-flying Juventus while the Blues are in the midst of yet another managerial transition. Abramovic just lowered the boom on World Cup-winning coach Luis Felipe Scolari and hired the man known for fixing broken national sides, Guus Hiddink. This will be an early test for him. Prediction: Juventus.

Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Liverpool’s domestic form has all but eliminated them from the title chase while Real Madrid still has some ground to make up on Barcelona if they are to challenge. In all likelihood, both sides have shifted their priorities to Europe at this point and that is why Liverpool may be a good pick to topple the Spanish giants. The Reds play to a vastly improved standard in the Champions League and are always capable of an upset, no matter how poorly they are performing in the Premier League. Prediction: Liverpool.

Panathinaikos vs. Villarreal Panathinaikos could be a frustrating side to play, particularly when Villarreal has to make the five-hour flight to play in Greece, but the Spanish side should be very satisfied with its lot. Expect nothing less than for Villarreal to cruise through to the quarter-finals and hang around there as potential giant-killers.

Barcelona vs. Lyon This is a fascinating tie between the league leaders of Spain and France. It’s always hard to bet against Barca, but Lyon is a French dynasty with an excellent history in Europe. Lyon has found a recipe for being very tough at home and always capable of scoring. They may not have enough to knock off Barca, but they should certainly give them a run for their money. This could be the tie of the round. Prediction: Barcelona, just.

FC Porto vs. Atletico Madrid Not too far to travel for either of the sides in this matchup, which should make it easier for Porto, a side that won the competition under Jose “The Special One” Mourinho, to overcome La Liga’s seventh-placed team. Still, you never know in some of these Iberian matchups and an upset would not be that surprising. But you can’t help but feel that these teams are playing for the privilege of being knocked out by one of the big boys in the next round.

Manchester United vs. Inter Milan Speaking of the Special One, he’s back. Mourinho will be back stalking the touchline at Old Trafford in this fixture, renewing his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson and should provide a fascinating clash. Both teams lead their domestic leagues and seem to be on track to claim their respective titles. This one is almost too close to call, but since I have to, it’s too hard for me to pick against United in their Champions League title defense. Prediction: Manchester United.

Roma vs. Arsenal With nothing left to play for at home in a disappointing season, this is Arsenal’s chance to pick up some serious silverware. Riddled by injuries, the Gunners have not lost in over a dozen games in all competitions, but they look far from convincing. Meanwhile, Roma has not won on English soil in over five years and are languishing in Serie A’s sixth place. Still, I would not count out Arsenal as a dark horse in this competition. Arsene Wenger knows he has to restore the faith in North London and the Champions League has always been his white whale. Prediction: Arsenal.