The Champions League is back!

[Aquavit]

Less than 24 hours until the UCL Round of 16 starts! There are going to be a couple of really intriguing matchups coming up.

PSG vs Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich
Basel vs. Porto
Schalke vs. Real Madrid
Manchester City vs. Barcelona
Juventus vs. Dortmund
Arsenal vs. Monaco
Leverkusen vs. Atletico

Dortmund is the wildcard in this round IMO. They've had a catastrophic season in the Bundesliga so far, but they have a brilliant coach and lots of talent, and they have recently started to look much improved. I think they'll advance, and surprisingly easily, to the next round.

[BKH70041]

1. Next round stars today

Atl Madrid - Real Madrid
Juventus - Monaco
PSG - Barcelona
Bayern Munich - Porto

Should be exciting!

[BKH70041]

2. Looking to next week

I expect Real to win at home and go through.

Juventus and Monaco could still go either way. I'd like to see this match.

Barca should wrap it up at home.

Bayern needs to get it together quickly or they could be staying home. This match-up intrigues me.

[Aquavit]

3. Predictions

Real 1-1 Atletico, Atletico advances on away goals.

I think Juventus will go through, and I would also really like to see the match.

Barca should go through.

Bayern will lay another egg and exit the tournament Hopefully that will be enough to bring forth a change of managers. The Guardiola Circus is getting really old in this Bayern supporter's eyes.

[BKH70041]

4. Side issue.

Are you watching any of the Europa League games?

[BKH70041]

5. Real Madrid; Bayern Munich; Barcelona; Juventus

Friday we'll see who gets who next.

[Aquavit]

6. Juventus please!

I want another crack at Real Madrid, but in the final this time!

[BKH70041]

7. Barcelona vs. Juventus

The likely winner of La Liga vs. the winner of Serie A. I think it'll be a great match-up.

My head says Barcelona, but my gut says Juventus. It's a pick-'em for me, could go either way. I will say that, traditionally, Italian teams have played well on German soil, for what that's worth.

[Ron Obvious]

8. I'm just glad it isn't another all-Spanish final

I've had enough of Classicos, frankly.

No preference on who wins, though I suspect Juve will park the bus. They don't like it up 'em, you know.