The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 begins on Tuesday, as the battle for the quartefinal gets underway with a number of exciting fixtures lined up.
*Galatasaray vs Liverpool*
Galatasaray have a strong record at home against English clubs. The Turkish side has lost just one of their last nine home games against English opposition in European competitions (W5 D3).
That defeat came in December 2014, when they lost 4-1 to Arsenal.
Liverpool’s record against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League has been mixed. The Reds have won just one of their five previous meetings (D2 L2), giving them a 20% win rate against the Turkish side.
Galatasaray’s home advantage and Liverpool’s mixed record could make this fixture tighter than expected.
*Newcastle United vs Barcelona*
Newcastle United have faced Barcelona five times in European competition, all in the UEFA Champions League.
The Magpies won the first meeting 3-2 at St James’ Park in September 1997, but Barcelona have won the four matches since.
Newcastle’s overall record against Spanish opposition in the Champions League stands at two wins and four defeats, with both victories coming at home.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have been dominant against English clubs in knockout matches. Since 2014, the Spanish giants have won 10 of their last 12 knockout games against English opposition.
They also progressed from their last five Round of 16 ties against English teams, including a 4-1 aggregate victory over Chelsea in 2018.
Barcelona’s strong knockout history against English clubs could make them favourites.
*Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid*
Atlético Madrid have struggled against English clubs in recent Champions League meetings, with just one win in their last 10 matches (D2 L7).
That victory came against Manchester United in March 2022.
Despite those results, Atlético have still managed to progress from two of their last three Round of 16 ties against English sides. They eliminated Liverpool (2019-20) and Manchester United (2021-22).
Tottenham’s record against Spanish opposition has been relatively strong. Spurs have lost just one of their last five Champions League matches against Spanish teams (W2 D2).
They also enter the tie in solid European form, winning their last four Champions League matches, with three clean sheets.
*Atalanta vs Bayern Munich*
Atalanta have played 13 matches against German teams in major European competitions, winning seven, drawing three, and losing three.
However, their record in Champions League knockout matches has been less convincing. The Italian side has lost six of their last seven knockout games, although they did win their most recent match 4-1 against Borussia Dortmund to reach the Round of 16.
Bayern Munich remain one of the most consistent teams at this stage of the competition. The German champions have lost just one of their last 12 Round of 16 matches (W10 D1).
That defeat came against Lazio in February 2024.
This will be the first meeting between Bayern Munich and Atalanta in European competition.
Bayern’s strong Round of 16 record could make them clear favourites.
