Expert reveals the ‘likely’ Champions League round-of-16 draw and fans are in shock at some of the fixtures

The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, and as its group stage draws to a close, attention is quickly shifting towards the knockout rounds. For the 2024/2025 season, the competition has undergone significant changes that have altered the traditional structure and added an extra layer of excitement for fans, pundits, and players alike. As the final round of matches in the group phase approaches, the projected draw for the round of 16 has been revealed, and it has left many in shock, particularly when considering the potential matchups that could unfold.

This season’s UEFA Champions League has witnessed a groundbreaking revamp in its format. For the first time, the traditional group stage system has been replaced with a single, large league phase. Previously, teams would compete in a group, playing each other twice, both home and away. Under the new structure, however, each club faces eight different opponents during the league phase, playing four matches at home and four away. This change not only makes the tournament more dynamic but also more unpredictable, as the format significantly broadens the range of teams a club can face.

The top eight teams in the league phase automatically advance to the last 16, while teams finishing in positions 9-24 must fight for their place in the knockout rounds through a two-legged playoff. This alteration in the structure has led to some intense and high-stakes encounters, with clubs vying for a top-eight finish, while others are battling to avoid falling into the dreaded play-offs.

As we approach the final match week of the group phase, the table has begun to take shape. Leading the charge are Liverpool, who have been in exceptional form, winning all seven of their matches so far. Their dominance has secured them a guaranteed top-two finish, and they will be one of the top seeds heading into the round of 16. On the other hand, Manchester City, who have experienced a mixed campaign, still have to win their final group-stage match against Club Brugge to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. If they fail to secure all three points, City will find themselves in the play-offs, where the competition will get even tougher.

With just one match week left, several teams have already been eliminated from the competition. These include clubs like Slovan Bratislava, Young Boys, RB Salzburg, Sturm Graz, Crvena Zvezda, Girona, RB Leipzig, Sparta Praha, and Bologna. These early exits are a stark reminder of how unforgiving the Champions League can be, especially in a season where the stakes are higher than ever.

As the dust settles on the group phase and with the final matches on the horizon, experts and analysts have begun to speculate about the possible matchups for the round of 16. One of the most notable sources for these predictions is Football Rankings, who have published a projected draw for the upcoming knockout stage.

According to the expert predictions, Liverpool and Barcelona, both of whom are in excellent positions to top their respective groups, are projected to face one of several clubs that have qualified for the knockout rounds. These teams include AS Monaco, Celtic, Feyenoord, and Brest. These potential matchups offer a relatively manageable path for both Liverpool and Barcelona, with none of these sides appearing overly daunting compared to some of the other top contenders in the tournament.

In contrast, the projected draw for Arsenal and Inter Milan has raised eyebrows, with these two teams potentially facing some of the toughest opponents in the competition. Real Madrid, Juventus, Sporting Clube de Portugal, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are all possible opponents for these two teams. Any of these matchups would be a nightmare for Arsenal and Inter, as all four clubs are considered to be among the best in Europe, with a rich history of success in the Champions League. The thought of facing one of these elite teams in the round of 16 is enough to make any manager anxious, and fans of these clubs will no doubt be hoping for a more favorable draw.

For Manchester City, the pressure is on as they face a must-win situation in their final group-stage match against Club Brugge. If they secure their place in the knockout rounds, City could be drawn into a difficult matchup with the likes of Atletico Madrid or AC Milan, two clubs with formidable reputations in European football. Alternatively, City could end up facing PSV Eindhoven in the play-offs, where they would need to perform at their best to ensure qualification for the last 16.

Aston Villa, the other English side in the competition, could face an array of teams in the knockout rounds. Their potential opponents in the round of 16 include Club Brugge, VfB Stuttgart, Atalanta, or Bayern Munich. Among these teams, Bayern Munich stands out as the most challenging, with the German giants consistently being one of the top teams in Europe. However, Villa’s form in the competition has been solid, and they will be hopeful of causing an upset if they are drawn against any of these teams.

It is important to note that, while the projected draw offers some fascinating potential matchups, football is a game full of surprises. The actual draw for the round of 16 may differ significantly from these predictions, as the final round of group-stage matches could see several teams switch positions in the standings. For example, Manchester City still has work to do to secure their place in the knockout rounds, and any slip-up could see them drawn against a much tougher opponent than anticipated.

Moreover, the unpredictability of knockout football means that anything can happen once the round of 16 begins. Even the most seemingly straightforward matchups can quickly turn into thrilling encounters. The intensity of the Champions League knockout rounds is unlike any other competition, and teams must be at their very best to progress further. For clubs like Arsenal, Inter Milan, and City, the round of 16 will be a true test of their mettle, as they face some of the most elite teams in Europe

Interestingly, data has also revealed that defending champions Real Madrid are Arsenal’s “most likely” opponent in the round of 16. This information adds an extra layer of intrigue to the predictions, as a potential clash between these two historic clubs would undoubtedly be one of the standout ties of the knockout stage. Real Madrid, led by the experienced Carlo Ancelotti, will be looking to defend their title, but Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, will be eager to prove that they can compete with Europe’s best. A matchup between these two clubs would be a fascinating tactical battle, with both teams possessing an abundance of attacking talent and solid defensive units

As the group stage of the UEFA Champions League draws to a close, attention is already turning towards the knockout rounds, where the drama and excitement of the competition will reach new heights. The projected draw for the round of 16 has sparked intense debate and anticipation, with fans and pundits alike speculating about the potential matchups that could unfold. While some teams, like Liverpool and Barcelona, appear to have more favorable draws, others, such as Arsenal and Inter Milan, are bracing for difficult challenges against some of the best teams in Europe.

Ultimately, the Champions League is a competition where anything can happen, and the unpredictability of the knockout rounds is what makes it so captivating. As the final round of group-stage matches approaches, every team will be hoping to secure their place in the next phase of the tournament and set themselves up for a shot at European glory. The draw may be only a prediction, but one thing is certain: the road to the Champions League final will be filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.