I’m pretty excited for the round of 16 draw. In order of matchups I’m most excited about:
1. Tottenham-Dortmund should be extremely entertaining with both teams looking to attack. Dortmund just feel like they have it together and everything is clicking, but Tottenham can hang right with them. I know Spurs won last year, but this is a different Dortmund team.
2. Atletico- Juventus would have been a solid matchup in the final, never mind in the round of 16. Both teams are tough outs. Juve might very well have a huge lead atop Serie A, which could allow them to focus solely on UCL.
3. Liverpool- Bayern is another final-worthy matchup. Bayern is a bit down this year despite the names on the pitch. Could be another high scoring matchup.
4. Man U-PSG just got a lot more interesting. Given the way the Red Devils have been playing this year, it looked like a lopsided matchup, but if the new manager can get them playing how they can play, this should be a fun one.
5. Real Madrid-Ajax is great for nostalgia. Ajax does have some fascinating young players, and Madrid clearly is down this year. I feel like Madrid’s experience and class will win this one, but you never know.
6. Barca-Lyon intrigues me, and not just because of my affection for the blaugrana. Barcelona have the talent, but between injuries, form, and just not finding the groove they are very beatable. Lyon have some stars in Depay and Fekir along with some interesting young players. Once again, I expect the Catalans to win but it could get interesting.
7. Man City-Schalke shouldn’t be close. Schalke have not looked like the same team from last year. I am interested to see how Weston McKennie does, but he has been yanked all over the field this year, from left back to striker.
8. Roma-Porto should be a tight one. Roma have the names and they toppled Barcelona last year, but I could see Porto winning this on a set piece. Should be close enough to be interesting, just a little more tactical than some of the other matchups.