Champions League 2012-2013: Round of 16 Preview
Nicholas Spiller
Previewing the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round of 2013
16 of the top teams in Europe are all vying for the ultimate crown in club soccer, The UEFA Champions League.
At this point in the proceedings, one could argue that several minnows remain in the pool of contenders that boasts regular challengers like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.
With so much on the line in the two-legged affairs of this round, nerves will tingle and matches will delight. Here's a look ahead at what lies in store.
Shalke 04 vs. Galatasaray
This could be one of the most exciting matchups in this round. Galatasaray proved their commitment to securing a Champions League title by recruiting Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba last month.
Both players have proved instrumental at winning recent Champions League titles with Sneijder earning the assist for Inter Milan's first goal in the 2010 final, and Drogba heading home a last-moment equalizer in last year's final won by Chelsea.
But the team also features several other Champions League veterans. Milan Baros played as the striker in Liverpool's 2005 triumph, and Emmanuel Eboue played a key role in Arsenal's 2006 run to the final, where their defense went a record breaking 853 minutes without allowing a goal.
This team knows how to succeed in the Champions League, and could be a dark horse contender for the title. However, I could just as easily see them lose to Shalke, who just topped Arsenal in the group stage and have kept hold of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, their most potent striker.
Additionally, since Sneijder and Drogba are so new to their club, how fast will they be able to click as a unit remains to be seen. I predict this tie to come down to the wire, with Shalke winning the first game 2-1 before blowing the lead at home and losing 3-1, and thus 4-3 on aggregate to Galatasaray.
Juventus vs. Celtic
Celtic made waves in defeating Barcelona last fall. They are running away with the Scottish Premier League since Rangers' dismissal from the league. Could this be Celtic's year, with Georgio Samaras and Gary Hooper going down in Celtic lore as legendary Champions League heroes?
No, they simply are not that good. Yes, a rare win against Barcelona is miraculous, but Celtic now must navigate the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2008. Juventus has dominated Italian soccer for some time now and are veterans of major tournaments with Andrea Pirlo and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. I think the Italians will outclass Celtic and although Celtic could muster a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home, I see Juventus securing a spot in the final 8 with a 2-0 win in Italy.
PSG vs. Valencia
PSG have invested a multitude of funds into securing a Champions League title, and this is their first time to showcase this new team to the world. It features Zlatan Ibrahimovic, arguably the current best striker in the world, who has already scored over 20 goals this season. Players like Javier Pastore, Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Thiago Silva make this team a serious threat to anyone in the tournament. Valencia houses several veteran players in Ricardo Costa and David Albelda, but they are struggling in the Spanish League and will likely crumble before PSG. I see PSG winning both matches and the tie with an aggregate score of 5-2.
Malaga vs. Porto
Malaga has been impressive this year in the Champions League and domestically. With an exciting batch of players including Jeremy Toulalan, Javier Saviola, and Julio Baptista, they can play with best of them. Porto usually wins the Portuguese league and typically fares well in the Champions League, though they don't often contend.
Both of these teams will be eyeing progression to the next stage, where whomever wins will probably lose, but this should be an interesting affair. Porto is a renowned club for producing exciting players and currently houses several including James Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez. These unknown players will be looking to burst on the global soccer scene and I predict Porto will emerge victorious in a tight tie, winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
Bayern Munich was embarrassed to miss out on three trophies at the way end of the season last year, and they have returned this year with a vengeance. Allowing just 7 goals in the Bundesliga through 20 matches, their defensive prowess has matched their quick-fire offense that features Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, in addition to a host of crucial German internationals like Phillip Lahm, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Manuel Neuer.
Arsenal has a talented side though with players like Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, and Lukas Podolski. Additionally, striker Olivier Giroud has been hitting top form. But Arsenal is in a sort of injury crisis with their central defense, and I think Munich will outclass the Gunners, especially in at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the second leg. I foresee a 1-1 draw in London followed by a 3-1 German triumph.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Shaktar Donetsk
The reigning German Champions have not been quite as dominant as last year but they still boast an exciting team featuring Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, and Mario Gotze.
Although young, Dortmund has been fantastic and well organized as a team. Shaktar Donetsk is a Champions League regular and features both Eduardo and Darijo Srna.
However, I feel that Dortmund is a much stronger side and will prevail 4-2 on aggregate.
Barcelona vs. AC Milan
What more can be said about Barcelona? They have the world's best player in Lionel Messi, and a whole host of stars such as Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, and Carlos Puyol.
Barca are usually among the favorites to hoist the Champions League trophy and will probably ease past AC Milan. The Italian giants are also a great team historically but have struggled in recent seasons, though they have a talented array of stars like Robinho, Nigel De Jong, and young striker Stephan El Shaarawy.
They have also just bought controversial striker Mario Balotelli. Balotelli would certainly love to stamp his authority on this type of match, but he is cup-tied after his move from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
The first leg in Milan will be closely contested but Barcelona will win 2-1. The return leg will be a humiliating 4-0 win in favor of Barcelona.
Manchester United vs. Real Madrid
Surely the most mouth-watering matchup at this stage of the tournament sees Cristiano Ronaldo return to Manchester as a Real Madrid player.
Manchester United has been a team on a mission this year. With new striker Robin van Persie, they are sensational. Wayne Rooney has performed well, and Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes seem destined to continue their careers for all time.
Real Madrid has been under fire this year. A full 16 points off of Barcelona, they will not win the Spanish League, and manager Jose Mourinho looks to be on the way out. Unless he can spark a miraculous victory and win the Champions League trophy, he will probably be fired.
For a team featuring Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Luka Modric, their displays this season have been abysmal. This will surely be an interesting tie between two world-class sides, but Manchester United will surely prevail 5-3, and see Mourinho dismissed as Real Madrid's manager.