Gaps to close, streaks to extend, and quarter-final spots at stake: the return legs of the C1 and C3 round of 16 promise to be decisive. Here’s a look at the must-see matchups this week.
Real Madrid ⚔️ Manchester City (C1)
With a 3-0 win in the first leg, Real Madrid holds a significant advantage before the return match against Manchester City. This modern classic of the Champions League sees the English side needing to pull off a feat to overturn the situation. The Merengues have won 13 of their last 15 round of 16 ties, while the Cityzens will once again rely on Erling Haaland to attempt an unlikely comeback.
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Paris Saint-Germain ⚔️ Chelsea (C1)
Paris Saint-Germain has taken a very serious option 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 drawn 0-0 in the knockout phase of the competition. Chelsea will need to score at least four times without conceding to hope to continue the adventure.
Bodø/Glimt ⚔️ Sporting CP (C1)
Bodø/Glimt has taken a step towards qualification with their 3-0 victory in Lisbon. The Norwegian club relies on an effective attack, and Sporting, who have reached the quarter-finals only once in their history, will need to perform a feat at home to qualify.
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Arsenal ⚔️ Bayer Leverkusen (C1)
Everything remains open between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen after the 1-1 draw in the first leg. The Gunners come in with a high-performing attack this season in the Champions League, but Leverkusen has often shown they can compete with English clubs in European competition.
Barcelona ⚔️ Newcastle (C1)
The 1-1 draw achieved by FC Barcelona on Newcastle’s pitch leaves the Catalans slightly favored before the return. The Catalan club shows remarkable offensive consistency in the Champions League, having failed to score only once in their last 28 matches in the competition.
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Galatasaray ⚔️ Liverpool (C1)
Galatasaray gained a valuable advantage by winning 1-0 against Liverpool in the first leg. The Reds will need to win at Anfield to overturn the situation—a possible mission in their stadium, but the Istanbul side arrives with the psychological advantage.
Atlético de Madrid ⚔️ Tottenham (C1)
Atlético took a large lead with their 5-2 victory against Tottenham. Historically, the Colchoneros perform well against English clubs in the knockout phase, complicating the task for the Spurs. The latter will need to play an almost perfect match to hope to overturn the situation in the return leg.
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Lyon ⚔️ Celta Vigo (C3)
Olympique Lyonnais approaches the return match after a 1-1 draw on Celta de Vigo’s pitch. The Gones, who finished first in the UEFA Europa League group stage with seven wins in eight matches, are well-positioned 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 FC. The Dogues travel to England with the obligation to win to continue their journey in the UEFA Europa League.
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Strasbourg ⚔️ Rijeka (C4)
Strasbourg has taken a real step towards the quarter-finals by winning 2-1 away against Rijeka thanks to goals from Panichelli and Godo in the early minutes, despite Rijeka reducing the score in the second half. This victory in Croatia gives the Alsatians a slight psychological advantage before the return at the Meinau, where they will try to manage this advantage to secure their qualification.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.