Champions League Round of 16 Preview Featuring Europe’s Finest Clubs
After an exciting return to UEFA Champions League action last week, there are an array of new matchups, including a rematch from the 2022 Champions League Final.
The first of two match-ups take place on February 21, as Liverpool will try to defend Anfield against European giant, Real Madrid.
The two foes last met in May 2022 in the Champions League Final, where Madrid defeated the Reds 1-0 in Paris.
Liverpool, who have dealt with an injury-ridden season, will look to get some sweet revenge.
Since 2018, Real Madrid has knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League three times, twice in the final.
Fueled by their history with Madrid, the Reds will be led by their star right-wing, Mohamed Salah.
Salah currently ties PSG’s Kylian Mbappe for first in the Champions League total goal tally with seven.
Liverpool will also turn to their new forward, Cody Gakpo, who they acquired from PSV Eindhoven this past December.
The Dutch international has scored two goals in his last two appearances.
Manager Jürgen Klopp will also be delighted to have defender Virgil Van Dijk back from injury to slow the Madrid attack.
Visiting Real Madrid will be down a few key players in Kroos, Mendy, and Tchouaméni. Don’t be surprised to see manager Ancelotti lean hard on their forwards and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Their front three features Vinicius, who scored the match-winner in last year's final. And not to be forgotten is striker Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, and played a critical role in their run to last year's final.
Transitioning to the second of the two match-ups on the 21, Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt will host Serie A’s SSC Napoli in the first leg of this Round of 16 bout.
Napoli, who currently sits atop the Serie A table, looks to pair that title with this year's Champions League trophy.
In this competition's group stage, Napoli led all teams in goals scored with 20 goals and finished above the Premier League’s Liverpool.
Napoli’s charge will be led by their striker, Victor Osimhen, who has notched six goals in his last five games.
Another name to watch is the star youngster, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has racked up eight goals and assists in his last five matches for the Blues.
With a formidable Italian opponent to deal with, the reigning Europa League champion Frankfurt will look to continue their European success at home.
Striker Randal Kolo Muani has been fantastic at the number 9 for the Eagles this season, garnering interest from many large clubs across Europe before this summer transfer window.
German international legend, Mario Götze, will also use his veteran experience to help guide Frankfurt to a first-leg victory against Napoli.
These match-ups are just the first of the two legs that take place in Champions League knockouts, and both games are sure to deliver big storylines and loads of excitement.
Colin Snyder is a third-year majoring in public relations. To contact him, email czs5980@psu.edu.
