The UCL Knockouts are always fun to watch. Whether a small team upsets a big one, or it’s a thrilling 4-4 aggregate score, the knockout rounds always seem to entertain. With the UCL Knockouts starting next week, 16 teams are left with the chance to be crowned Champions of Europe. Upon looking at the bracket, the left side seems pretty self explanatory, but the right side essentially conveys the message that anything can happen. Today, we will give our best predictions of the Round of 16, showing who we believe may take home the trophy.
PSG vs. Chelsea
Michael: PSG
Xavier: PSG
Nick: Chelsea
The majority chose PSG because we feel like they have more firepower. Despite their last meeting being a 3-0 defeat for the Parisian side, Ballon D’or winner Ousmane Dembele and the rest of the PSG squad will have enough to squander Chelsea who have been inconsistent.
Galatasaray vs. Liverpool
Michael: Galatasaray
Xavier: Liverpool
Nick: Liverpool
With both of these teams having fortresses (Rams Park for Galatasaray and Anfield for Liverpool), Xavier and Nick took what they thought was the better team. English side Liverpool with primed UCL history with 6, are always a contender. Turkish side Galatasaray with 0, they are always a “dark horse” in this competition. So Mike took Galatasaray and Xavier and Nick took Liverpool knowing this.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Michael: Manchester City
Xavier: Manchester City
Nick: Real Madrid
Often nicknamed the “modern Clasico”, the almost yearly fixture between Real Madrid and Manchester City is much-see television. The teams have played in every season since 2021. However, Manchester City have already beaten Los Blancos earlier this year 2-1 away from home. Also the Spanish side have been plagued with injuries toward their biggest attackers like Mbappe and Rodrygo. So knowing this along with City’s rising form, the majority took Manchester City to advance to the quarters.
Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich
Michael: Bayern Munich
Xavier: Bayern Munich
Nick: Bayern Munich
All three of us chose Bayern Munich. They have been spectacular, destroying opponents. They have only lost two games so far this season as of March 4th 2026, so no questions asked.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona
Michael: Barcelona
Xavier: Barcelona
Nick: Barcelona
For this set of games, we chose Barcelona to go through because they have already gone to the tough environment at St. James’ Park and won 2-1. So knowing this, we feel like they will repeat the result and head through to the next round.
Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Michael: Atletico Madrid
Xavier: Tottenham Hotspur
Nick: Atletico Madrid
Michael and Nick have chosen the Spanish side and Xavier has chosen the English side. Atletico have a great team and one of the greatest coaches in Diego Simeone. However, Tottenham have done amazingly in the European competition automatically qualifying for the Round of 16 despite being 16th in the English Premier League. This round is a toss-up.
Bodo Glimt vs. Sporting Lisbon
Michael: Bodo Glimt
Xavier: Sporting Lisbon
Nick: Bodo Glimt
The majority chose Bodo Glimt. After knocking out Italian giants Inter Milan, Bodo Glimt have become the “dark horse” for the UCL and after drawing a Sporting Lisbon team that is underrated, Michael and Nick have Bodo continuing their special run this season.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal
Michael: Arsenal
Xavier: Arsenal
Nick: Arsenal
Arsenal have quite arguably the best team in the world this season. While their football doesn’t do much talking, their results do. Going 8-0-0 in the group stage and we believe their dominance will continue into the quarters.
Overall, the UCL brings fiery competitiveness and the best football has to offer. With so many new and old fans tuning in, the competition this year is more open than ever. Whether you believe in the current Champions PSG or the “dark horses” like Gala or Bodo, anyone can win and that’s football.
