The first knockout round of the 2017-18 Champions League has been drawn. Here is the verdict on who will be making it through to the quarter finals
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Since defeating Ajax on penalties in the 1996 showpiece, it has been a long tale of near misses for Juventus, with five final defeats including a hammering from Real Madrid last season in Cardiff.
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.
VERDICT: 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.
Basle v Manchester City
That late 1-0 win against United in Switzerland, thanks to Michael Lang’s far post finish, proved crucial as Basel finished second in Group A, three points ahead of CSKA Moscow, who they also defeated in Russia.
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 favourites.
VERDICT: Basle have 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.
Porto v Liverpool
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.
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.
VERDICT: 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 v Manchester United
Sevilla, the long-time kings of the Europa League 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 in Basle in game five meant they technically needed a point to win the group against CSKA Moscow in their final fixture – although in reality anything other than a six-goal defeat would have sufficed. They won 2-1.
VERDICT: 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.
Paris St Germain v Real Madrid
A 3-1 defeat in PSG’s final Group B game against Bayern Munich could not dethrone them 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.
Real Madrid as the holders – and 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.
VERDICT: Unquestionably the tie of the round. If PSG finally handle the pressure they can progress – and Real will be the ultimate test. PSG win.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Despite being top seeds, Shakhtar were pegged for a battle for third place against Feyenoord while City and Napoli battled for 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 Roma to top a pool containing Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, but when push came to shove the Italians emerged victorious in Group C, a 3-0 hammering of the Premier League champions standing out.
VERDICT: 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 v 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 for Barca, 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.
VERDICT: 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
Fifteen points from five matches and simple passage to the knockouts would be cause for celebration for most sides – but Bayern are 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.
VERDICT: Besiktas will look to impress, but they are inexperienced at this level and could be exposed by a ruthless Bayern team. Bayern Munich win.
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