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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
4 Mar 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Round of 16 first legs
All predictions for the first legs of the 2025/26 Champions League round of 16. Current form, background information, and exciting matchups. Information about the premier club competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Round of 16 first legs
The 2025/26 European elite competition officially enters the knockout phase with the first legs of the Round of 16, bringing us one step closer to the grand final. Our latest predictions highlight a series of high-stakes battles where established giants face off against hungry challengers and play-off surprises. One team to watch is Bodø/Glimt; after securing four stunning CL wins, can the Norwegian underdogs keep their momentum going and continue to shock the football world?
Quick Betting Tips by MERKUR for the Champions League Round of 16 First Legs
Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Liverpool FC
Galatasaray fought their way into the Round of 16 with a dominant first leg against Juventus, though they looked shaky defensively in the second match. Liverpool, who enjoyed a direct path to this stage, are currently flying high. With four wins on the bounce and a lethal attack, the Reds are strong favorites—provided they can tighten up their backline. Their current prowess at set pieces makes them particularly dangerous. Given the overall gap in quality, Liverpool should come out on top.
Tip: 2 + both teams to score
Newcastle United vs. FC Barcelona
Newcastle marched confidently through the play-offs to secure their spot in the Round of 16. To beat Barça, they'll need to iron out their defensive errors and find a more consistent way to break through. The Catalans are riding a wave of victory, led by the phenomenal Lamine Yamal, but they will be missing the clinical touch of Lewandowski. Furthermore, playing away from the passionate atmosphere of Camp Nou might hinder them. Despite this, Barça's individual talent still makes them slight favorites.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Atlético Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Atlético Madrid earned their place in the Round of 16 after a commanding second-half performance against Brugge, where Alexander Sørloth stole the show with a hat-trick. That kind of individual brilliance should give the Red and Whites a real edge against Tottenham. In contrast, Spurs are struggling with a crisis of confidence following a humbling 1–4 derby loss to Arsenal, which has left them under heavy fire from the press. While Atlético are disciplined and composed, the English side looks erratic and lacking in belief.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
Atalanta Bergamo vs. Bayern Munich
After a setback in the first leg, Atalanta completely overwhelmed Dortmund in the play-off return. Now, the Italians face another German giant, where they'll need to be sharp, efficient, and aggressive in attack. Bayern, who cruised through the league phase to qualify directly, are in superb form in the Bundesliga. They are expected to lean on their vast European experience to neutralize Atalanta's high-energy playing style.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal FC
A quiet draw with Olympiacos was all Leverkusen needed to advance. However, the current leaders of both the Champions League and Premier League are a completely different beast. Arsenal arrives with massive momentum following a dominant derby win and a lethal set-piece game, even if they occasionally look nervous. If the Werkself want to survive this clash, they must be flawless defensively.
Tip: 2
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Real Madrid seems to have put the bitterness of their loss to Benfica behind them after bouncing back with two play-off wins. Now, they face a Manchester City side that qualified directly and looks incredibly stable. City is playing with a growing sense of inevitability, recording win after win. It's a fascinating tactical clash: Guardiola's possession-heavy philosophy versus Madrid's clinical efficiency on the counter. This top-tier encounter will likely be decided by the smallest of margins.
Tip: Draw
Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting Lisbon
By knocking out last year's finalists, Inter, Bodø/Glimt have proven they can compete with the best, playing with the fearlessness of a true underdog. They are currently blending tactical discipline with a ruthless ability to punish any opponent's mistake. Their next challenge is Sporting; while the Portuguese side hasn't always been a constant fixture in the limelight, their current winning streak is formidable. The big question is: can the Norwegians pull off another miracle?
Tip: Both teams to score
PSG vs. Chelsea
The defending champions looked a bit flat in their 2–2 draw with Monaco, only progressing thanks to a first-leg advantage and a timely red card for their opponents. A few defensive lapses late in the game almost cost them. To avoid an upset against Chelsea, PSG needs to find their best form. While the Blues have been inconsistent in the league and prone to disciplinary slips, their raw talent is more than enough to challenge the Parisians.
Tip: Draw
