5ASIDE: What to expect in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16
The UEFA Champions League enters its most exciting and dramatic stage, where not every top-seeded team arrives as the favorite.
The UEFA Champions League enters its most exciting and dramatic stage, where not every top-seeded team arrives as the favorite.
After the Round of 16 matchups were confirmed, fans are eager to see what will happen with contenders such as PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as surprise teams like Bodø/Glimt.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid draws the spotlight
Increasingly seen as a modern European classic, the Champions League draw once again paired Manchester City with Real Madrid in a tie that is difficult to predict, even though Pep Guardiola’s team finished among the top eight.
Real Madrid has experienced ups and downs under Álvaro Arbeloa, and one of the issues they face heading into this clash is that Barcelona currently holds a four-point lead in LaLiga.
Meanwhile, Manchester City arrives after a painful draw against Nottingham Forest and sits seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, coached by Mikel Arteta.
PSG vs Chelsea, another high-profile European clash
PSG and Chelsea are both clubs that know what it means to win the Champions League, although Luis Enrique’s PSG enters as the favorite, leading Ligue 1 and having eliminated Monaco in the previous round.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is struggling to remain in the European qualification places and sits nearly twenty points behind the league leaders.
Barcelona and Liverpool must beware of surprises
Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick and currently top of LaLiga, suffered a painful setback in the Copa del Rey, but still enters as the favorite against Newcastle, a team that cannot be overlooked, especially after surprising Manchester United in the Premier League.
In another notable tie, Liverpool would normally be considered the natural favorite. However, doubts surrounding their performances in both the Premier League and domestic cup competitions combine with the fact that their opponent is Galatasaray, who made headlines by eliminating Juventus from Europe.
Champions League Round of 16 schedule
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Galatasaray vs Liverpool — 1:45 ET
Newcastle vs Barcelona — 4:00 ET
Atlético de Madrid vs Tottenham — 4:00 ET
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich — 4:00 ET
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal — 1:45 ET
Real Madrid vs Manchester City — 4:00 ET
PSG vs Chelsea — 4:00 ET
Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting — 4:00 ET
