The dust has settled after the first legs of the last 16 ties in the Champions League with several ties still in the balance and others looking dead in the water.
Juventus v Celtic
Juventus hold a 3-0 lead going into the second leg in Italy which effectively puts them through to the quarterfinal stage. It will take a remarkable performance from Celtic just to get level, besides even trying to consider winning this match.
Juventus to go through.
Paris Saint-Germain v Valencia
This tie is still in the balance but PSG have a one goal advantage and two away goals having won the first leg 2-1. They shouldn’t slip up in front of their own fans but Valencia have enough experience and quality to push this tie all the way.
PSG to go through.
Manchester United v Real Madrid
The first leg at the Bernabeu was a very cagey affair with Real Madrid completely muted tactically by the Premier League leaders. This tie stands at 1-1 and could go into extra time with penalties possible. United’s second leg home advantage could prove to be decisive.
Manchester United to go through.
Borussia Dortmund v Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar pushed Dortmund all the way in the first game which produced a very entertaining 2-2 draw. Those two away goals could be the difference for Dortmund who are very difficult to beat at their own, hostile, stadium and they should win this match and the tie.
Borussia Dortmund to go through.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayern may feel as though the hard work is done following a 3-1 win at the Emirates. However, you just never know as this Arsenal side is so inconsistent, they could just pull a win off. For that to happen, Bayern will have to be extremely complacent which is unlikely following their final defeat last year.
Bayern Munich to go through.
Malaga v Porto
Porto hold a very slender 1-0 advantage heading into this game which gives them a slight edge. They can’t sit back too much or Malaga could win this tie comfortably. It’s another one which should go all the way and could easily go either way.
FC Porto to go through.
Barcelona v AC Milan
Milan are two goals up thanks to a superb display of how to counter Barcelona tactically at the San Siro. That 2-0 win makes their job a lot easier ahead of the second leg. Expect to see Milan camped in their own half but they may just pull it off.
AC Milan to go through.
Schalke 04 v Galatasaray
Schalke 04 have a decent home record in this competition and they have an away goal from the 1-1 draw in Turkey. Galatasaray are a little unpredictable which can make them very dangerous but the experience of the Germans should help them edge it.
FC Schalke to go through.
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