Gaps to close, streaks to extend, and spots in the quarter-finals at stake: the second legs of the C1, C3, and C4 round of 16 promise to be decisive. Here’s an overview of the must-watch matchups this week.
Real Madrid ⚔️ Manchester City (C1)
With a 3-0 win in the first leg, Real Madrid holds a significant advantage ahead of the return match against Manchester City. Now a modern classic of the Champions League, this duel sees the English side forced to pull off a feat to turn things around. Los Merengues have won 13 of their last 15 round of 16 ties, while the Citizens will once again count on Erling Haaland to attempt an unlikely comeback.
Paris Saint‑Germain ⚔️ Chelsea (C1)
Paris Saint‑Germain took a commanding lead with their 5-2 victory in the first leg against Chelsea. The Parisians are playing their 14th consecutive round of 16 and remain true to their offensive reputation: they have never had a 0-0 draw in the knockout phase of the competition. Chelsea will need to score at least four times without conceding to hope to continue their journey.
Bodø/Glimt ⚔️ Sporting CP (C1)
Bodø/Glimt took a step towards qualification with their 3‑0 win in Norway. The Norwegian club relies on an efficient attack, and Sporting, who have only reached the quarter-finals once in their history, will need to pull off a feat at home to qualify.
Arsenal ⚔️ Bayer Leverkusen (C1)
Everything is still open between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen after the 1-1 draw in the first leg. The Gunners come in with a high-flying attack this season in the Champions League, but Leverkusen have often shown they can compete with English clubs in European competition.
Barcelona ⚔️ Newcastle (C1)
The 1-1 draw secured by FC Barcelona at Newcastle leaves the Catalans slight favorites for the return leg. Barça boasts remarkable offensive consistency in the Champions League, having failed to score only once in their last 28 matches in the competition.
Galatasaray ⚔️ Liverpool (C1)
Galatasaray took a valuable advantage by winning 1-0 against Liverpool in the first leg. The Reds will therefore need to win at Anfield to turn things around. Their fans will be pushing them, but the Istanbul side arrives with the psychological edge.
Atlético de Madrid ⚔️ Tottenham (C1)
Atlético has already done the hardest part by recording a 5-2 win over Tottenham in Madrid. Historically, the Colchoneros perform well against English clubs in the knockout phase, which makes the task even harder for the Spurs. The latter will have to play an almost perfect match to hope to turn things around in the return leg.
Lyon ⚔️ Celta Vigo (C3)
Olympique Lyonnais approaches the return leg after a 1-1 draw away at Celta Vigo. Les Gones, who finished first in the C3 group stage with seven wins in eight matches, are well placed to qualify in front of their home crowd.
Lille ⚔️ Aston Villa (C3)
LOSC will need to overturn the situation after their 1-0 defeat in the first leg against Aston Villa. Les Dogues travel to England with the obligation to win to continue their Europa League adventure.
Strasbourg ⚔️ Rijeka (C4)
Strasbourg took a real step towards the quarter-finals by winning 2‑1 away at Rijeka thanks to goals from Panichelli and Godo in the opening minutes. This victory in Croatia gives the Alsatians a slight psychological advantage ahead of the return leg at the Meinau, where they will try to manage this lead to secure qualification.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
