After an entertaining First Phase, the 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League is now ready to move into the knockout stages. With 16 of the 32 teams moving on following their finishing in one of the top two spots in each of the eight groups, this year's version of the UCL could play out to be one of the most interesting in recent time. Bayern Munich, after narrowly claiming the top spot in Group D, has once again advanced to the next round. Set to take on current Premier League leader Arsenal in the round of 16, the Gunners' slate against the Germans might just be the most entertaining knockout contest of the eight matches scheduled.
Last season's runner-up Borussia Dortmund earned a bid into the final 16 after finishing first in Group F. One of the toughest opening groups in the field with Arsenal, Napoli and Marseille presenting challenges, Dortmund strung together four victories, enough to hold off the aforementioned clubs. The Germans will open the knockout stages with Zenit, who finished 10 points behind Atletico Madrid in the weak Group G. Set to begin on February 18, the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 undoubtedly features some of the top clubs in the world, with the draw also creating very intriguing match-ups.
While Dortmund battles Zenit and Arsenal takes on Bayern Munich, Manchester City will be tasked with the chore of slowing the top player in the world in Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Barca took home the trophy in 2009 and 2011 and with another talented core on the roster, the La Liga giants could very well make a run at another championship. Defending Barclays Premier League winner Manchester United will battle Olympiakos in the round of 16 while AC Milan meets with Atletico Madrid, setting up another enticing match-up.
UEFA Champions League - Round of 16
Manchester United vs. Olympiakos
Manchester City vs. Barcelona's
AC Milan vs. Atletico Madrid
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
Borussia Dortmund vs. Zenit
Real Madrid vs. Schalke
Chelsea vs. Galatasaray
Paris St Germain vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Round of 16 Predictions
Manchester City certainly possesses the talent to give Barcelona a tough series but the Premier League affiliates won't be able to overcome the cohesiveness of the Barca roster led by Leo Messi. Along with Barcelona, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Dortmund will ultimately move on while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal Gunners take care of defending champion Bayern Munich.
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