The Champions League Is Back And With Some Major Storylines To Play

Story posted February 16, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Tim Rogers

With February upon us, more soccer is in swing as the UEFA Champions League will start its round of 16 match-ups this week.

Taking place on the 14th, AC Milan will look to defeat Tottenham Hoptspur and Lionel Messi seeks to continue an incredible season with Paris Saint Germain taking on Bayern Munich.

Both matches are sure to cause great results, with each team competing against each other being evenly matched on paper.

When looking at Milan versus Spurs, the name that jumps right out off the page is striker Olivier Giroud.

Giroud spent six years of his career with Arsenal, one of Spurs’ most infamous rivals. He capped 180 appearances with the club, including four goals against Spurs. Look to see Giroud have a huge impact in this two leg series.

When looking at Spurs, there is no debate that the talent is there, even sitting in fifth place in the Premier League standings.

Names like Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are some of the world’s most talented players, with each having at least one goal in the Champions League this season.

Spurs have had some success in the Champions League, finishing in second back in 2019 against Liverpool.

With that being said, expect to see AC Milan come out on top in this marquee matchup, but it will be close.

Now moving onto PSG versus Bayern, these two clubs are some of the most decorated teams known in the soccer world.

PSG has a plethora of talent with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, yet have never been able to raise the trophy.

This year has a different feel, however, as Messi has had a storybook season, winning the World Cup with Argentina back in December. Mbappe also is on a tear, scoring a tournament-leading seven goals.

PSG are also currently leading the Ligue 1 by five points, and hope to make it their second straight title.

However, you can never count out Bayern Munich.

Bayern won the Champions League back in 2020, defeating PSG in the final 1-0 with a goal from former PSG forward Kingsley Coman.

Bayern are leading the Bundesliga by only one point, but will look to make it 11 straight Bundesliga titles.

No matter what the outcome is, a heavy favorite will be eliminated, and it could be Bayern due to the sheer talent PSG has.

This is just the start of the round of 16 for the UEFA Champions League, and there is sure to be loads of controversy to come from these two matches. Expect many fans to be on the edge of their seat, with each team showcasing loads of talent.

Tim Rogers is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email tmr5842@psu.edu.