UEFA Champions League Round of 16 (1st Leg) Tips & Predictions

There are now 16 teams in the 2025/26 incarnation of the Champions League, and it is a who’s who of the elite footballing outfits in Europe.

PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City have won the event in the past three previous seasons, and they find themselves in the mix again here, along with fellow European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Elsewhere, the likes of Bodo/Glimt, Galatasaray and Sporting Lisbon are all mixing it with the big boys and there are some mouth-watering, two-legged ties on the agenda this week.

Here are our Champions League tips for the last 16, first leg fixtures:

Champions League Last 16 1st Leg Predictions

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Galatasaray ($4.50)

Liverpool ($1.80)

Draw ($4.20)

Turkish giants Galatasaray host Liverpool for the second time this season, as they chase another notable scalp over the red half of Merseyside. Having overcome Juventus in the playoff round, Galatasaray have outperformed expectation to reach the last 16 and this does feel like a free hit. Istanbul will be rocking and Liverpool will be in for a tough one here, but Arne Slot’s side should return to Anfield with a lead in the tie.

Liverpool to win 2-1

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Atalanta ($5.00)

Bayern Munich ($1.65)

Draw ($4.20)

Having produced a miraculous comeback in the previous round, Atalanta will be eager to keep pushing on with their Champions League campaign, as they take on Bayern Munich. The side from Bergamo came back from the abyss against Borussia Dortmund but this is a big step up and Bayern could blow them away in the opening leg here in Northern Italy.

Bayern Munich to win 3-1

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Atletico Madrid ($1.50)

Tottenham ($7.00)

Draw ($5.80)

While the distraction of relegation from the Premier League remains a real possibility for Tottenham, they have the small matter of a Champions League last 16 tie with Atletico Madrid to deal with first. The side from the Spanish capital remain one of the toughest nuts to crack in European football and with Spurs in disarray, this should be a walk in the park for the hosts.

Atletico Madrid to win 3-1

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Newcastle United ($3.00)

Barcelona ($2.30)

Draw ($3.40)

La Liga leaders Barcelona head to the North East of England to take on Newcastle United, in what could be an absolute classic on Tyneside. Toon have been in decent form this season, without generating any consistency and the Champions League remains their final hope of winning a trophy. Barcelona meanwhile continue to set the trend both in Europe and in Spain and they should pick up a first leg win in this one.

Barcelona to win 2-1

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Bayer Leverkusen ($6.50)

Arsenal ($1.60)

Draw ($5.00)

Quadruple chasing Arsenal will be looking to take a big step towards the last eight of the Champions League here, as they travel to Bayer Leverkusen. The German outfit have been plucky in this season’s competition and are never easy to beat at home, but Arsenal are arguably the form team in Europe at the moment. Keeping it tight will be the objective for both sides and the Gunners could edge this by the odd goal.

Arsenal to win 1-0

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Bodo/Glimt ($2.60)

Sporting Lisbon ($2.65)

Draw ($3.50)

Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt have been the story of the Champions League thus far and they will be looking to keep their dream run going against Sporting Lisbon. Bodo knocked out Inter Milan in the last 16, so should be full of confidence here. Underestimating Sporting is never clever though, with their vibrant young side amongst the best outside of the big five European leagues and this could be an entertaining draw.

2-2 Draw

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PSG ($2.00)

Chelsea ($4.00)

Draw ($4.00)

Defending Champions League winners PSG will be looking to take another step forward this season, as they take on Chelsea. The Parisians haven’t been at their best in the competition so far, but their swashbuckling style is always very difficult to stop. Chelsea meanwhile are a work in progress under Liam Rosenior and this feels like a real test of their mettle. The French capital is never an easy place to go and PSG should win this one.

PSG to win 2-0

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Real Madrid ($3.60)

Manchester City ($2.05)

Draw ($3.30)

Two teams that seem to constantly play each other in the Champions League meet here, as Real Madrid host Manchester City. It has been a tough season for Madrid, who have chopped and changed both on and off the field, but the Champions League is always their ultimate aim. City meanwhile look to be further ahead with their transition, but Pep Guardiola’s young squad are yet to fully convince. City won this game earlier in the season but Real could secure some revenge for that loss here.

Real Madrid to win 2-1

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Champions League Last 16, 1st Leg multi bet

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We’re backing four results in the playoffs, as an accumulator with a betting stake of $50:

Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham – Atletico Madrid
Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Liverpool
PSG vs Chelsea – PSG
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal – Arsenal