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Champions League last 16 draw Analysis



The first knockout round of the 2017-18 Champions League has been drawn, with five Premier League clubs featuring for the first time.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all learned their fates, as have holders Real Madrid.

Here Squiblink examines the draw, and we give our verdict on who will be making it through to the quarter-finals.

  • Juventus vs Tottenham Hotspurs


Last year's finalists Juventus, without Leonardo Bonucci at the back, have not been as impressive this time around, although they recovered from the opening loss to Barcelona to navigate a tricky Group D ahead of Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos.

The best in Europe. From arguably the Group of Death, Spurs emerged with 16 points - the most of any team - and their reputation on the continent significantly enhanced. The results against Real - a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu and a 3-0 victory at home - were the standouts.
Spurs will fancy their chances if they play to their best, but the nous and defensive capability of the Italians can see them through. Juventus win.


  • Basel vs Man City


Basel's late 1-0 win against United in Switzerland, thanks to Michael Lang's far post finish, proved crucial as they finished second in Group A, three points ahead of CSKA Moscow, who they also defeated in Russia.

Shock horror, Pep Guardiola's side actually suffered a defeat in Group F - in the final game, a dead rubber for them, against Shakhtar Donetsk. Before that, five straight wins showed why City must be considered among the favorites.

Basel has proved they are no pushovers, but Manchester City will be rubbing their hands at this draw. They should have too much firepower. Man City win.


  • FC Porto vs Liverpool


On paper it was a breeze for Liverpool - they would have broken the competition goal record had PSG not done the same thing, thanks to two 7-0 wins. In reality, three draws from six mean there are questions to be answered.

With Monaco failing to match their achievements of last season and Leipzig lacking nous in their debut campaign, Porto edge into the last 16 with 10 points. Two hefty wins over the Ligue 1 champions - 5-2 at home, 3-0 away - proved the key.

Liverpool rose to the occasion when needed to dismiss Spartak Moscow and book their last 16 place. The 'Fab Four' should fire again here. Liverpool win.

  • Sevilla vs Man United



The long-time kings of the Europa League, Sevilla have reached the last 16 as the only side with a single-figure points score - nine from their six games. Coming back from 3-0 down at home to Liverpool to draw 3-3 was important

Mostly untroubled for Jose Mourinho's troops, who won their opening four games in comfort. A slip in Basle in game five meant they technically needed a point to win the group against CSKA Moscow in their final fixture. They won 2-1.

United will have to raise their game after sailing through the group, but should have enough to step up and see off Sevilla. Man United win.

  • PSG vs Real Madrid



Frightening. A 3-1 defeat in their final Group B game against Bayern Munich could not dethrone PSG from first place, having previously beaten the Germans 3-0. In a pool also containing Celtic and Anderlecht, they scored 25 goals in six games - a competition record.

The holders Real Madrid - The first ever team to win back to back Champions Leagues since the 1992 re-branding - never looked like going out, but once Spurs hit their stride it was second place for Real; and second place never goes down well at the Bernabeu.

Unquestionably the tie of the round. If PSG finally handles the pressure they can progress - and Real will be the ultimate test. PSG win.


  • Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma


Despite being top seeds, Shakhtar was pegged for a battle for third place against Feyenoord while City and Napoli battled for the top spot. As it was Shakhtar beat Napoli 2-1 in their opening game and never let go of their qualifying spot.

Few seriously backed the Italians to top a pool containing Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, but when push came to shove the Romans emerged victorious in Group C, a 3-0 hammering of the Premier League champions standing out.

The hardest tie to predict, with Roma impressing at times - having to travel to a Shakhtar side who navigated a tough group is a big ask. Shakhtar win. 

  • Chelsea vs Barcelona


It started like a dream for the Blues - a 6-0 battering of Qarabag and a hugely impressive 2-1 victory away to Atletico. However, they were bested by Roma over two games and fell into second on the final day with a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against the Spaniards.

Beating Juventus 3-0 in the opening game was the key, and set up a mostly serene passage through as group winners for Barca. Successive goalless draws away to Olympiacos and Juve were the most minor of hiccups.

A nightmare draw for Chelsea, as they face off for the first time since the 2012 semi-final. Barca must be backed for revenge. Barcelona win.

  • Bayern Munich v Besiktas


15 points from five matches and simple passage to the knockouts would be cause for celebration for most sides - but Bayern is not most teams. The 3-0 defeat by PSG cost Carlo Ancelotti his job, with Jupp Heynckes drafted in to provide safe passage through Group B.

While Porto, Monaco and RB Leipzig is not the most glamorous group, the Turkish champions took full advantage to top it with 14 points.

Besiktas will look to impress, but they are inexperienced at this level and could be exposed by a ruthless Bayern team. Bayern Munich win. 

What are your predictions?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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By
Syed Salman


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