Predictions for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League: Last 16 Match-ups

As the UEFA Champions League gears up for the last 16, here are my predictions for each match, offering a glimpse of what fans can expect in the second leg of the competition.

1. Manchester City vs Copenhagen

Manchester City got the easiest draw and will certainly prove my prediction right. Despite their potential woes, City have been back to their winning ways in the English Premier League. Let's not forget that Copenhagen provided a stiff challenge but they will be sent back home. The Manchester side will win 4-2, with a 3-0 victory at the Etihad courtesy of Alvarez, Haaland, and KDB, and a surprising 2-1 result in leg 2 with goals from a surprise attacker and Foden.

2. Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig

Real Madrid and RB Leipzig will enjoy an intense contest. Although Real Madrid finished top of their group and are 2nd in La Liga, RB Leipzig will not go down without a fight. They were 0-2 up at the Etihad, showing that they can cause havoc. My prediction is that despite Real's dominance, they will secure a 3-2 win in Madrid with goals from Bellingham and Vinícius Jr., while Leipzig will manage a 2-1 win in Germany with Openda, Dani Olmo, and Joselu.

3. PSG vs Real Sociedad

PSG will face Real Sociedad in a close battle. In the first leg at home, PSG will claim a 3-1 victory with goals from Mbappé, Dembele, and Ethan Mbappé, with Le Normand netting a consolation goal for Sociedad. In the second leg, Real Sociedad will fight back with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Oryazabal, with Mbappé scoring a consolation goal for PSG.

4. Bayern Munich vs Lazio

The straightforward clash between Bayern Munich and Lazio will see the Bavarians cruise past their Italian rivals. They will easily win 2-0 in Munich with goals from Sane and Musiala, while Lazio will score twice in the home stadium in Rome with goals from Immobile. This sets up an exciting quarter-final showdown for Bayern Munich.

5. PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund

PSV Eindhoven offers a spirited challenge to Borussia Dortmund, even as both teams score goals and are dark horse picks. In the first leg at home, PSV will defeat Dortmund 3-2, with Luuk de Jong and Lozano leading the charge, while Reus and Sancho will provide the response goals. In the return leg in Dortmund, the match will end in a 2-2 draw, with Bakayoko and Lozano scoring for PSV, and Fullkurg and Malen netting for Dortmund.

6. Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid

Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid will feature a closely contested quarter-final match. With Inter Milan being last season’s finalists and sitting 2nd in Serie A with a game in hand, Lautaro Martinez’s goal-scoring prowess should tilt the game in favor of Marco Giampaolo's side. Inter will win 2-1 in the first leg with goals from Griezmann and Lautaro, and Atletico will respond with a 1-1 draw in Spain.

7. Arsenal vs Porto

Armed with their top talents, Arsenal will edge out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, with goals from Saka and Taremi. However, the latter's response in London will seal a narrow 1-0 victory with an ultimate goal from Martinelli, ensuring a tight battle.

8. Barcelona vs Napoli

Barcelona, as defending champions, will have to fight hard to beat Napoli, who are struggling. With Barcelona having won three consecutive league matches, and sitting 7 points behind the leaders with a game in hand, they might secure a 2-0 win at home. The tie will go to a 1-1 draw in Italy with goals from Lewandowski and Araujo, while Instituto Ferran Torres will score to ensure the Catalan giants progress to the last 8.

Teams Out: Copenhagen, Leipzig, Real Sociedad, Lazio, Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Napoli.

Teams in Quarter-Finals: Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more updates and analyses of the UEFA Champions League!