UCL Round of 16: 5 Big Predictions for Second Leg
The UCL Round of 16 enters its decisive phase as the second-leg matches across Europe will determine the teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
Several clubs still face difficult tasks in the return legs. Arsenal are the only Premier League side not chasing a deficit, while Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham must overturn first-leg setbacks.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain already hold strong advantages after their first-leg wins.
PSG recorded a big victory against Chelsea, while Federico Valverde’s hat-trick gave Real Madrid a three-goal cushion against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt stunned Sporting CP with a clean-sheet win, while Arsenal, who won 8 out of 8 matches in the league phase, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bayer Leverkusen.
With knockout football often producing dramatic moments, the second legs promise another exciting round of UCL action.
Below are our Top Five Predictions for the upcoming UCL matches
Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt – UCL Prediction
Sporting CP will rely heavily on their home advantage at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The Portuguese club has won 7 consecutive home matches at the venue. They will need that momentum as they attempt to recover from the first-leg defeat.
However, Bodo/Glimt arrive in strong form, having won 5 consecutive Champions League matches. After losing their opening 6 UCL games in their debut campaign this season, Bodo produced stunning wins over City, Atletico and Inter (both home and away) to become the first-ever Norwegian team to reach the UCL Round of 16.
The Norwegian side has also scored 2 or more goals in their last 13 consecutive matches. With Sporting expected to attack and players like Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh posing a threat for the visitors, both teams could create chances.
Prediction: At least 2 goals in the match and both teams likely to score.
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen – UCL Prediction
Arsenal head into the second leg with the tie level after their 1-1 draw in Germany.
The Emirates Stadium has become a difficult venue for visiting teams under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have won 13 of their 16 UCL home matches during his tenure. Only Paris Saint-Germain have managed to win there.
Recent form also favours Arsenal. The London side have 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches, while Leverkusen have recorded 5 draws and 1 win in their last 6 games.
Arsenal’s substitutes have made a solid impact. They have scored 11 substitute goals in the Premier League this season, the highest in the league. In the last 3 matches, a substitute has scored in each game.
Prediction: A low-scoring match with 3 or fewer goals. Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s top scorer with 16 goals across all competitions, could score.
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain – UCL Prediction
Chelsea face a major challenge after losing the first leg 5-2 against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Historically, only one team in Champions League history has eliminated the holders after losing the first leg by 3 goals.
Chelsea have also struggled in recent knockout matches and have lost their last 3 games at this stage of the competition. However, Stamford Bridge has often produced dramatic European nights. Chelsea will need to attack from the start to keep their hopes alive.
PSG’s attack has been impressive this season with 13 different goalscorers in the competition.
Prediction: Both teams likely to score at least once.
Barcelona vs Newcastle – UCL Prediction
Barcelona host Newcastle after the 1-1 draw in the first leg at St James’ Park.
Historically, this scenario has favoured Barcelona. The club has progressed from their last 10 Champions League knockout ties after drawing the first leg away.
Barcelona have also been dominant at home in Europe. They have scored in each of their last 16 Champions League matches at home and are averaging more than 3 goals per game during that run.
Their attack has been in strong form this season:
- Lamine Yamal – 20 goals
- Raphinha – 17 goals
- Ferran Torres – 16 goals
Barcelona also have Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford in attack.
Prediction: Barcelona to score at least 2 goals.
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta – UCL Prediction
Bayern Munich return to the Allianz Arena with a massive advantage after their 6-1 win in the first leg.
Historically, no team has ever overturned a 5-goal deficit in a European knockout tie.
Bayern have been one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition. They have scored 28 goals in just 9 Champions League matches this season.
Even in their recent Bundesliga match against Leverkusen, Bayern managed a 1-1 draw despite playing with 9 men.
In their last 6 matches, Bayern have scored 3 or more goals in 5 games.
Prediction: Bayern Munich to score over 2.5 goals.
UCL Round of 16 Second Leg Schedule
Tuesday – 17 March 2026
Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt
Arsenal vs Leverkusen
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Wednesday – 18 March 2026
Barcelona vs Newcastle
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
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