CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PICKS

SportsBeat!

Written by Aaron Cantin

It has been a long two months, but finally, we are less than one week away from the Champions League knockout stage. The Round of 16 is set for a massive return as Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool, and RB Leipzig take the stage Tuesday. Juventus, Porto, Sevilla, and Borussia Dortmund are set for Wednesday. Things were straightforward for the most part in the group stage, setting us up for juicy matchups right out of the gate. If these tilts live up to expectations, we are in for a fantastic round of 16. Reminder - the matchups next week are the first of two legs, not single-game elimination.

Photo from Marca

Barcelona vs. PSG, Feb. 16

Barcelona +129; Draw +280; PSG +185

The last time these two met in the knockout stage, Barcelona stunned PSG with a 6-1 win in the second leg overcoming a 4-0 loss in the first. It is known as the most shocking upset in Champions League history. Though each side has players that took part in that wild match, the two sides have changed drastically. Although PSG has yet to win the Champions League, they came close last year, losing to Bayern Munich in the finals 1-0. Barcelona enters as favourites only because they will be at home. Currently, PSG has a better squad on paper and the pitch. The only thing making me second guess PSG coming away with a result is the injury to Neymar. He left PSG'sPSG's game on Wednesday with an undetermined injury. If PSG is without Neymar, Barcelona will surely have enough to get the win. If PSG has Neymar, which I expect they will simply because of my optimism, I like PSG to draw in this one.

Pick: Draw +280

Leipzig vs. Liverpool, Feb. 16

Leipzig +215; Draw +250; Liverpool +109

Unfortunately for Leipzig, the first leg will take place on neutral ground due to Germany and Britain'sBritain's COVID-19 restrictions. This game will take place in Budapest, Hungary, with no fans, of course. Despite not playing at home, Leipzig has a serious chance of winning and ultimately eliminating English champs Liverpool. Leipzig currently sits second in the Bundesliga and beat Manchester United on the final day of the group stage to punch a ticket into the knockout stage. On the other hand, Liverpool has played out of title contention in their domestic league and have significant injury concerns. Liverpool is deservedly favourites and is the better team when at their best. Surprisingly, Liverpool may be the more desperate team in this matchup. A team with nothing to lose is always dangerous. Despite this, Leipzig has been the more consistent of the bunch in 2021.

Pick: Leipzig +215

Sevilla vs. Dortmund, Feb. 17

Sevilla +150; Draw +230; Dortmund +185

This is a sneaky good matchup. On one side, you have a Spanish squad that has exceeded expectations, currently sitting fourth in La Liga. Just yesterday, they took down Barcelona 2-0 in the Copa Del Rey'sRey's first leg. On the other side, you have German giants Borussia Dortmund who have disappointed this year, currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga. Dortmund's struggles have not carried over into the Champions League yet, as they topped their group overcoming Lazio, Club Brugge, and Zenit St. Petersburg. Dortmund is the stronger team on paper, led by Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus, and co. Saying that Sevilla is playing better football right now. The matchup becomes even more intriguing when you look at the style these two teams like to play. Dortmund is all about attacking, usually dominating possession trying to get into the final third as quickly as possible. Sevilla is excellent defensively and can withstand pressure without cracking. Sevilla is at home, and I typically lean towards the stronger defensive squad in this type of matchup.

Pick: Sevilla +150

Porto vs. Juventus, Feb. 17

Porto +320; Draw +225; Juventus -102

This should be the most straightforward match in week one of the Round of 16. Juventus are without a doubt the stronger squad, led by who other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes, Juventus have struggled this year in Serie A, currently sitting seven points behind AC Milan, but they should have enough to overcome the Portuguese champions. Porto impressed on the Group stage, finishing second behind Manchester City. The Portuguese squad earned a credible draw against the English giants on the group stage's final day. All that said, Juventus did their part, too, dismantling Barcelona 3-0 on the final day. Porto will make it an entertaining match, but Juventus have too much talent.

Pick: Juventus -102