3 things to look forward to in the Champions League round of 16 first leg fixtures

The first leg of the round of 16 fixtures of the Champions League takes place later tonight with a number of top clubs in the fray to win the trophy come the end of the season. Here, we take a look at the things to look forward too in the upcoming games.

1. Can Real Madrid stop Messi and co

Paris Saint-Germain take on Real Madrid in what is arguably the biggest tie of the round of 16 fixtures, with both the clubs consisting of some of the best players in the world.

This is the tenth time that the two clubs will be meeting in European competitions, and it will be the first time that Lionel Messi will face his long-time rivals since leaving Barcelona last summer.

It will be interesting to see how Madrid's defenders deal with the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, considering that they have the ability to turn the game on it's head.

2. Liverpool to cruise past Inter?

This will be the fifth time that Liverpool and Inter Milan will be meeting in European competition and the Reds go into this game as the favourites considering that they have been brilliant on the pitch in the recent past.

The current Liverpool side have won their last two away games against Italian opponents in the Champions League, beating Atalanta in 2020/21 and AC Milan earlier in the season.

3. Man City among favourites to win maiden UCL

Manchester City are tipped by many to be the favourites to win their maiden Champions League title come the end of the season, with the Cityzens looking unstoppable at times on the pitch.

However, Sporting CP have had the upper hand in the past as the Portugese side knocked them out in the round of 16 stage in the Europa League in 2011/12 on the away goals rule.