Champions League 2017: Round-of-16 Leg 1 Live Stream, TV Schedule, Predictions
The knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League have conjured some of the most thrilling matches in the history of football down the years. So lovers of the beautiful game will be delighted that Europe's premier competition resumes again on Tuesday, with 16 sides in the hunt to be crowned as kings of the continent.
There are some mouthwatering first-leg matches to enjoy too. On Wednesday, holders Real Madrid host Napoli while Bayern Munich and Arsenal will battle it out once again at the Allianz Arena.
Tuesday will see more mammoth matches, with Barcelona taking on Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes and Benfica welcoming Borussia Dortmund.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
It's set to be a feast of football. Here is the schedule of matches, some key viewing details and a closer look at a couple of these standout ties.
| Tuesday, February 14 | Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona | 1-1 |
| Tuesday, February 14 | Benfica vs. Borussia Dortmund | 2-2 |
| Wednesday, February 15 | Real Madrid vs. Napoli | 2-1 |
| Wednesday, February 15 | Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal | 3-1 |
| Tuesday, February 21 | Bayer Leverkusen vs. Atletico Madrid | 0-1 |
| Tuesday, February 21 | Manchester City vs. AS Monaco | 2-2 |
| Wednesday, February 22 | FC Porto vs. Juventus | 1-2 |
| Wednesday, February 22 | Sevilla vs. Leicester City | 2-0 |
Live Stream: BT Sport website (UK), Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)
TV Info: BT Sport (UK), Fox Sports (U.S.)
Real Madrid vs. Napoli
Of all the teams Real Madrid could have drawn at this stage of the Champions League after finishing second in their group, Napoli looked to be one of the more favourable. However, on the cusp of the first leg of this tie, the Serie A side represent a much tougher assignment.
Manager Maurizio Sarri's men have been one of the standout teams to watch in European football this season. In Italy, they've dazzled opponents with their attacking fluidity, inventiveness and incision; they'll feel confident of dumping out the holders.
The form of Dries Mertens, operating as a false nine this term, has been crucial to their best performances. These numbers from OptaPaolo show how much of a threat he's been in the final third:
As impressive as Napoli are, facing Madrid in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu represents a huge step up.
Although Madrid haven't been at their best in recent weeks, they tend to turn up in this competition and—particularly at home—produced some clutch displays on their way to glory in last season's edition. They will approach this contest with the mindset of champions.
Football writer David Amoyal believes Los Blancos' pedigree in the competition makes them narrow favourites to beat Napoli:
As mentioned, the Serie A side will not retreat into a defensive setup at the Bernabeu, especially given the potential value of an away goal in these two-legged ties. That should make for an entertaining affair—the type of fixture that will allow Los Blancos' world-class attacking stars to express themselves.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Napoli
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
Once again, Arsenal will have to overcome the might of German champions Bayern Munich if they're to progress in the Champions League.
These two teams have met six times in the tournament since 2013, with four of those matches coming in the knockout stages. On both occasions, Bayern advanced into the next round, although the Gunners will sense the Bavarians are much more vulnerable this time around.
Under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern haven't settled into the groove that made them such a force under former boss Pep Guardiola. Nevertheless, they have so much quality in the final third, per Squawka Football:
What has yet to emerge is a distinct stylistic identity, leading some who follow the Bavarian side to question the Italian coach. Arsenal will hope to prey on those frailties at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
The Gunners endured a torrid spell recently, losing consecutive Premier League games to Watford and Chelsea. However, they got back to winning ways on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium against Hull City, with Alexis Sanchez—as he has done for much of the season—shining as a lone striker.
However, James Dall of ESPN FC feels the Gunners will need to perform to a much higher standard if they're to contain their Champions League opponents:
What those Arsenal fans who travel to Bavaria will be concerned about is keeping Bayern's attacking stars out. Robert Lewandowski is a potent force in front of goal, while the supporting cast of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Thiago Alcantara also need to be marshalled closely.
They have proved time after time that when the pressure is on, they have the temperament to perform on these grand stages. The same cannot be said of Arsenal.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Arsenal
