Champions League knockout draw simulator: Leipzig vs Chelsea
Kogiflame
The Champions League knockout stages will take place next year, but the draw is fast approaching us on Monday.
Here is the R16 draw in full:
PSG vs Real Madrid
In a repeat of last year’s R16 clash, Madrid face PSG again following last year’s sensational 3-2 aggregate win for the Spanish side who went onto be champions.
Both sides are in great form this season, but the form of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, alongside a new coach and system, could see them finally win the illusive competition.
Inter Milan vs Tottenham
Antonio Conte returns to his old club in this enticing draw, Spurs hung on to take spot, whilst Inter saw off Barcelona in a tough group.
An evenly matched game between two sides with a similar set-up should a tight, but exciting affair.
Frankfurt vs Napoli
Last year’s Europa League winners meet this year’s in-form team in Napoli – the Italian side topped their Champions League group and are currently top of Serie A.
The likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Victor Osimhen make for a formidable prospect and should progress past a Frankfurt side that have lost four in the Bundesliga this season.
Liverpool vs Porto
Surprise, surprise. The Reds face off against Porto for a fourth time in six years – Porto have never won a game in Europe against Liverpool and it’s likely to stay that way.
Liverpool are slowly returning to form, but are still vulnerable. By the time this tie rolls around, they should be strengthened by players returning from injury and should ease through once again.
AC Milan vs Man City
City look to be everyone’s favourite for the crown, with Erling Haaland scoring at will and Kevin De Bruyne showing his best form – they look a intimidating prospect.
Milan failed twice against Chelsea in the group stages, but a fully fit side will challenge Pep Guardiola’s men, in a game that’s expected to be exciting.
RB Leipzig vs Chelsea
This match-up throws up some interesting sub-plots; Timo Werner returns to face his old team, whilst Christopher Nkunku has been highly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge next summer.
It’s also a first meeting between the sides in the Champions League, in what should be a highly contested game in which Chelsea begin as favourites, but Leipzig certainly have goals in them.
Club Brugge vs Bayern Munich
Brugge did the impossible and qualified out of their group that also included Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid, but face an uphill task here.
Bayern have sprung into life in recent times, recording back-to-back wins over Barcelona and winning every game in their group – it’s hard to look past a win for the Germans.
Dortmund vs Benfica
Last, but not least, we see the surprise package of the tournament so far in Benfica take on Dortmund. Benfica have impressed by going toe-to-toe with PSG and topped the group with the French giants in it.
Dortmund always seem to qualify out of their group, but a shot against Benfica could be extremely competitive, and the German side may well feel that a win is in their grasp.
