Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were dealt a scare in the group phase, failing to finish in the top eight of the expanded table, which meant yet another two-legged tie with Man City. It went their way once again, running out 6-3 winners on aggregate against a Cityzens group who have been disappointing for the last few months. Despite having to get through the Play-Offs, the 15-time winners are a +350 frontrunner to lift the UCL title at Sports Interaction. After all, their attack is absolutely electrifying and Kylian Mbappe is really starting to find his form, bagging a hat-trick in the second leg against City. Real will need to get past city rivals Atletico in the Round of 16.
Barcelona
Barca is level on points with Madrid at the top of the LaLiga standings and also looks like a dangerous side in the Champions League. Despite their lack of success in the competition over the last few years, the Catalans were phenomenal in the group stages, finishing with a 6-1-1 record and in second spot behind Liverpool. Robert Lewandowski is second in the competition with nine goals and has also done his part domestically. Barcelona will lock horns with Portuguese standouts Benfica in the last 16.
Liverpool
Despite having the third-best odds at most soccer betting sportsbooks, Liverpool should be considered a favorite in the Champions League. They’re truly enjoying an electric campaign across the board, sitting 11 points clear at the top of the EPL while compiling a 7-0-1 record in the Champions League. The Reds’ only defeat simply happened because they didn’t play their starters. Mo Salah is doing it all for Liverpool, scoring three goals and tallying three assists in the UCL. Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz have also produced the goods in the competition. From front to back, Arne Slot’s men are rock solid and will need to get past PSG in the next round.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s title hopes in England took a dramatic hit over the weekend with a defeat to West Ham and at this point, it’s highly unlikely they’re going to catch Liverpool. The focus will surely be shifting to the Champions League, but it won’t be easy, either. That being said, they showed well in the group phase, going 6-1-1 and conceding just three goals while scoring 16. Injuries have hit their attack hard, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined. Saka and Havertz are two of their leading scorers in the competition.
Bayern Munich
German giants Bayern Munich can never be counted out in the Champions League. They had to beat Celtic in the Play-Offs and it wasn’t the most convincing, winning just 3-2 on aggregate. Bayern will also have a familiar yet difficult opponent in the Round of 16 as they clash with Bayer Leverkusen, the defending Bundesliga champions. Harry Kane will need to keep producing the goods in the final third, having already netted seven times in Europe’s premier competition.
