The Champions League round of 16 draw was held in the Swiss city of Nyon on 16th December 2019. Without a doubt, Round Of 16 Draw always catches the interest of the fans from all around the world. However, this year, the reaction of the fans is something else. It’s because, this is probably the most exciting Round of 16 Draw in recent years.
Club fans are waiting anxiously for their two-legged matches. The first leg matches are set for February 18-19 and 25-26. The second leg ties will be played from March 10-11 and 17-18. So, without any delay, let’s have a detailed look at each fixture in the Champions League Round of 16.
UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Draw 2019/20:
Borussia Dortmund vs PSG:
French Giants Paris Saint Germain is drawn against the German Borussia Dortmund. This match is going to be very exciting as both teams have elite young talent from Europe. Borussia Dortmund came through Group F which was surely a tough group as they had Inter and FC Barcelona in the group. They got through the knockout round with the deficiencies and lapses from Inter.
On the other hand, PSG have to really step up their game for knockout stages. They have players who play better individually but they have to gather and counter others as a team. The unpredictability of Dortmund is always a treat to watch but I think PSG will be too hot to handle with Mbappe, Neymar, and Icardi in their attack.
Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool:
As per the Round of 16 Draws, Spanish club Atletico Madrid is set to face the Defending Champions of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. This will be also an interesting fixture. Atletico Madrid has not lived up to their expectations this season after a breathtaking pre-season. They have many internal problems in the club. Their transfer window, the role of Manager, and Jao Felix made the headlines in the summer but nothing has materialized their success so far. They are struggling in the final third.
On the other hand, Liverpool currently sits on the first spot in the English Premier League. They are fluent, attack-oriented, and have a settled defense. They have all the cards in the deck to hurt any team in the world. So, personally, I think Atletico will struggle against them. They will have to play really good football against Liverpool. Most importantly, if Atletico Madrid have to find their shooting boot that has been missing this season if they want to win against Liverpool.
Atalanta vs Valencia:
This is another tight draw in the Champions League Round of 16. Spanish club Valencia got through to the next stage with great effort in their group. They are not up to the mark in the domestic league because of the injuries and some other issues. However, they have the firepower to go to the next stage. Whereas Atalanta, Serie A side, somehow managed to make into the Knockout stage with more losses and amount of goals conceded. So, Valencia will dominate in both legs probably. But, there isn’t anything certain in these fixtures which makes them exciting.
Tottenham vs RB Leipzig:
This will be another thrilling match in the RO16 where Spurs will face German club RB Leipzig. Jose Mourinho came as a manager of Spurs and his role will be great in Champions League against Leipzig. Tottenham was struggling in the Premier League this season which cause the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino. However, Leipzig is also in the great form and on no.1 spot in the Bundesliga. They also have great attacking options.
Both teams have a good front line. So, on a personal level, I feel that the team with better defense will win go to quarterfinals. I think Mourinho will sort out those defensive problems by that time and they will have an edge on Leipzig. We have to note that the home leg will be crucial for both teams in this particular game. I am getting a vibe as if both teams are going to win their respective home games, so the decision may come to the aggregate score.
Napoli vs Barcelona:
Napoli is drawn against The Spanish Giants Barcelona in the Round of 16. The Napoli’s reward to sack their manager is their upcoming match against Barcelona. Napoli has been poor in their domestic season while Barcelona is at the top of La Liga table. Napoli will have to face the curse of Barcelona if they cannot sort out their problems until that time. With Messi on their side, FC Barcelona is the favorite team to win this match and go to the next round. However, if are talking about the player quality, we have to note that Napoli is really a decent side. Their only problem is the stride within their club and players. If they can sort out these problems, they can be really challenging opponents.
Chelsea vs Bayern München :
Well, doesn’t this fixture remind us of the Champions League final of 2012? This time, Chelsea and Bayern are going to face each other in the Round of 16. Both teams are going through similar sorts of problems this season. Both have the ability to score but Bayern has a slight advantage with the second leg at their home. Both teams will look forward to go to the next round. However, I think Bayern will have the upper hand because of the experience in Europe and variety in their squad.
Lyon vs Juventus:
Juventus, The Serie A Champions, will face the French side Lyon in the RO16. It’s a good draw for Juventus. Juventus has a more stable squad, combination, and most importantly they have Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo will play a key role in knockout stages. He already has some points to prove. So, Juventus will be the hot favorites to win the match.
Real Madrid vs Man City:
At last but not least, the draw came where our interest is lying. Thirteen times winners, Real Madrid are going to face English Champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is going to face Zidane for the first time. Real Madrid vs Man City, Zidane vs Pep, how crazy is that?
Zidane’s record with Madrid in Champions League Knockouts is still unbeaten. Madrid always play as a different team when Champions League’s anthem surrounds them. Having struggled this season so far, Real Madrid also showed some glimpses of greatness in important games against PSG and Barcelona.
On the other hand, Man City is also struggling in their domestic season. They also have many issues in the club. Their defense is pretty ordinary but the forward line is too slippery to handle with the likes of Sterling and Silva in their team. Kevin De Bruyne with his talent and performance in the midfield will be very important for Manchester City.
Additionally, Guardiola’s history against Madrid also sets the fan base and club on fire. Real Madrid is quite solid in the back and with the Hazard coming back from the injury, things will change dramatically. Real Madrid vs Man City is the biggest fixture of in the Round of 16. I am pretty confident that we can beat Manchester City because we are the best club in the world. The away leg in Etihad Stadium will be very crucial for us. However, I am hopeful as we have our best coach of the Champions league with us.
Verdict:
So, guys, that was all for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw. Real Madrid vs Man City is the fixture we are waiting for desperately. Personally, I think Real Madrid will be a much better side when we’ll play against Man City in mid-February and then March. What do you think about these fixtures? What are your predictions? Do you agree with me? You can tell us by making a comment in the post. Until next time Hala Madrid!
