2023/24 UCL Round of 16: Early-Bird Predictions for All Pairs

On December 18, the clubs who have qualified from the group stage got to know their opponents for the 2023/24 UCL Round of 16. Let’s take a look at the early-bird predictions to reveal favorites and underdogs in each pair.

2023/24 UCL Round of 16: Rivals Revealed

The eight pairs for the Round of 16 have just been dropped, but we are here to make the first predictions even before online sportsbooks in Denmark. From a neutral fan perspective, winners in each pair are very predictable and lack excitement. However, the Champions League is known for turning tables, so let’s break down each pair to see if surprises are coming. 

Porto v Arsenal

Arsenal is one of the favorites to win the UCL Cup in 2024, so it is safe to predict that they will go through to the quarterfinals without breaking a sweat, and their odds at 20BET will be the best. On the other hand, Porto has been a frequent guest of the knockout stage, but they last got through a long time ago. 

Verdict: Arsenal advances to the next stage unless something incredible happens.

Napoli v Barcelona

Napoli could have been in better shape as it was last season. Not only did players underperform in Serie A, they only got through to the knockout stage because two weaker teams were just too weak for the Italians.

Barcelona players could be better, too, but they have the experience, unlike Napoli. The second game will be played at Camp Nou, which most likely means an annihilation for Italians. 

Verdict: Barcelona goes through.

PSG v Real Sociedad

This pair will probably deliver one of the most memorable UCL matches in 2024. On the one hand, PSG is a well-known bottler when it comes to the Champions League but still can win games thanks to Mbappe. On the other hand, we have Sociedad, who have been playing exceptionally well the entire season in all competitions. For PSG, winning 1-0 or 2-0 will not be enough because the crowd will make their footballers run for the win at the last game in Spain. 

Verdict: Sociedad has a better chance to proceed.

Inter Milan v Atletico Madrid 

This 2023/24 UCL Round of 16 pair is an interesting case. Inter only scored eight goals in the group stage, while Atletico scored 17(!), which is really weird if one remembers that Atletico was constantly criticized for being dull and lackluster. It seems that the club has found its new vibe, and for the sake of football, it is probably for the best if the Spaniards go through. 

Verdict: Atletico advances to the quarterfinals.

PSV Eindhoven v Borussia Dortmund

PSV is currently top of both Eredivisie and 20BET odds to win it. They have been playing decently in all competitions since the beginning of the season. Their performance in the group stage was also satisfactory, and they guaranteed the knockout stage with a game at hand. However, they will face the team that topped the group of death, which included PSG, AC Milan, and Newcastle. On the face of it, Borussia is just too hard of a nut for PSV to crack open. 

Verdict: Borussia are through.

Lazio v Bayern Munich 

Poor Lazio has zero to no chances against that difficult of a club. Even though Bayern did not play perfectly in the group and their worst game performance-wise was the last one against Manchester United, only dedicated Lazio fans can see their club dominating the 2023/24 UCL Round of 16 and going to the quarterfinals. 

Verdict: Bayern Munich proceeds to the next stage.

FC Copenhagen v Manchester City

Just like the previous pair, we can only pity Copenhagen. They received the worst possible opponent in many senses, and their odds at online gambling sites in Denmark must be skyrocketing. First of all, Man City are the current champions and the main favorites to win it again; secondly, they got 18 points out of 18 in the group stage; and thirdly, Kevin de Bruyne most likely will be fit from February to play. There is absolutely no chance that the Danish club will eliminate the English club. 

Verdict: Man City wins.

RB Leipzig v Real Madrid 

The last 2023/24 UCL Round of 16 pair is here. Leipzig qualified alongside Manchester City with 12 points. Looking at their opponents’ advance to the knockout stage seems like a given from the beginning – Young Boys and Red Star. They played alright against City and only lost at the death. Real Madrid, though, was flawless the entire tournament. They and City are the only two teams to get 100% of points in the group stage and are, of course, one of the favorites to win the competition. 

Verdict: Real Madrid advances.

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