Sports Talk

Champions League draw brings exciting matchups

Posted 11/8/22

An absolute clash of titans came with the Champions League draw that will definitely draw the attention of the footballing world once the round of 16 kicks off in February.

A lot of these teams …

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Sports Talk

Champions League draw brings exciting matchups

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An absolute clash of titans came with the Champions League draw that will definitely draw the attention of the footballing world once the round of 16 kicks off in February.

A lot of these teams will not have love for each other when the knockout stages begin on Valentine’s Day, with major clubs encountering difficult matchups early on.

As much as I want to say that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) taking on Bayern Munich is the top matchup, the most intriguing tie will be between Liverpool and Real Madrid — the two finalists from the previous year’s competition.

Real Madrid was the team of destiny last year and knocked off the Reds in the final 1-0 while being dominated in possession.

Liverpool is struggling in the Premier League this season but rebounded from an opening match loss in the Champions League to finish second in its group on goal difference.

By that point Luiz Diaz will have returned from injury for Liverpool to boost the attack, but the lackluster form of Trent Alexander-Arnold in defense may be the difference with Vinicius Jr. running at him.

I think Liverpool will throw everything at the competition, both home grounds will be an advantage for both teams so this will be a toss-up. I think Liverpool escapes 3-2 over both legs and finally avenges two finals losses to Real Madrid.

PSG vs. Bayern Munich is the next battle of top teams, after PSG finished second in its group on goal differential.

I think this depends on which attacking group shows up more, and I think Bayern walks away with a 5-2 aggregate win.

AC Milan vs. Tottenham will be intriguing, but I see Tottenham escaping with a 4-3 win in that matchup.

Two surprisingly strong teams in the competition this year in Club Brugge and Benfica will create an intriguing matchup, but I see Benfica winning 2-1.

Manchester City should cruise 5-1 over RB Leipzig in its tie.

Napoli will cruise in its matchup against Eintracht Frankfurt and advance to the quarterfinals after a 7-2 aggregate win.

Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea will depend on what Chelsea side shows up, but I feel the power from Chelsea will push them through with a 5-3 aggregate win.

Finally Inter Milan and Porto will battle in a difficult matchup, but the attacking prowess of Porto this year will push them through with a 3-1 aggregate win.

It will be an interesting start to the knockouts, but these matchups can be shifted significantly due to an entire World Cup taking place before the ties begin.

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