The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg fixtures continue on Wednesday, with Real Madrid’s clash against Manchester City headlining the night’s action.
The two European heavyweights meet again in what has become one of the competition’s most frequent modern rivalries.
*Manchester City vs Real Madrid*
Manchester City will face Real Madrid for the 16th time in the UEFA Champions League, with the record evenly balanced (five wins each and five draws). It is also the first time two teams have met in the knockout stage in five consecutive seasons.
City have won five matches against Real Madrid in the competition, with only Bayern Munich (8) and Juventus (7) recording more victories over the Spanish giants.
However, Real Madrid have eliminated Manchester City four times in the Champions League, including in each of the last two knockout meetings.
Real Madrid are reportedly dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the match, which could affect their attacking options.
*Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain*
Paris Saint-Germain last faced Chelsea in the 2015-16 Champions League Round of 16, winning both legs 2-1.
Chelsea have won two of their eight Champions League meetings with PSG, drawing three and losing three.
PSG have recently enjoyed success against English clubs in European knockout competitions, while Chelsea have won six consecutive Champions League matches against French teams since their last defeat to PSG in 2016.
*Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal*
Bayer Leverkusen have progressed from four of five major European knockout ties against English clubs, with their only defeat coming against Liverpool in the 2004-05 Champions League.
Arsenal’s previous meetings with Leverkusen came during the 2001-02 Champions League group stage, where the English side drew 1-1 away and won 4-1 at home.
Historically, Arsenal’s Champions League knockout meetings with German opposition have largely been against Bayern Munich.
*Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP*
Bodø/Glimt will face Sporting CP in what is expected to be the first Champions League knockout tie between Norwegian and Portuguese clubs.
The Norwegian side has previously beaten Portuguese opponents FC Porto and Braga in European competition, while Sporting could match their longest Champions League winning streak if they secure another victory.
