Champions League Round of 16 Draw Results and Predictions

The draw has been completed and the results have been revealed. Many mouth-watering clashes were set up, and while it would be too early to speculate, some silly predictions wouldn't hurt!

1. VfB Stuttgart vs FC Barcelona

Stuttgart had to work hard to progress from their group, and their main rivals had been Unirea, not Rangers. Barcelona were made to work hard to progress following their unexpected loss to Rubin. I don't think even the most optimistic Stuttgart fan would give her side much of a chance.

Prediction : Barcelona to go through after giving Stuttgart a few footballing lessons.

2. Olympiakos vs Bordeaux

Bordeaux deserved a good draw following their wonderful results in Group A. Nobody in the group collected more points than Bordeaux. Their five wins were matched only by Fiorentina.

Bordeaux are potential dark horses and it would be good to see them progress. Olympiakos made it through behind Arsenal in their group. They beat the Gunners (or a group of school kids) 1-0 on the final matchday. The senior Arsenal side were also made to work hard by the Greeks in their 2-0 win.

Prediction : Bordeaux to progress into the quarter finals.

3. Inter Milan vs Chelsea

This one should be entertaining. Jose Mourinho will have to fight it out against his former club, the club that owe a lot to him for their success. Chelsea and Inter top their respective domestic leagues at the moment.

Chelsea made it through to the second round as group leaders. Also, they beat Porto twice on the way. Inter beat Rubin Kazan on the final matchday. They, at least to me, seem to be performing better this season in Europe than they did last season.

Prediction : This one is hard to call, but I will tip it, only just, to Chelsea.

4. FC Bayern Munchen vs Fiorentina

Fiorentina are a rather tricky opponent. They did extremely well in the group stages and beat Liverpool twice. Bayern, meanwhile, were down and out after matchday four, but somehow battled back with two wins and claimed second spot in Group A. Fiorentina's league form is, however, not the best at the moment.

Prediction : I will leave this one out.

5. CSKA Moscow vs Sevilla

Two dark horses for the final in May have been pitted against each other. Sevilla had an outstanding group stage and CSKA Moscow managed to tip the scales in their favour on the last matchday (with some help from Man United). CSKA and Sevilla are two sides who are dangerous on the attack and their two clashes could turn out to be very entertaining.

Prediction : It's very difficult to say who will go through. My pick is CSKA.

6. Lyon vs Real Madrid

Hmmm...I wonder how Karim Benzema is feeling right now. It seems to be an early home coming for him. Lyon did well in the group stage. Real Madrid's only loss in the group stage was to AC Milan. Lyon were drawn against Barcelona last season. The draw doesn't seem to particularly favour them. 

Prediction : Real Madrid to make it to the quarters after a hard fought win and a draw.

7. Porto vs Arsenal

These two sides were up against each other in the Champions League group stages last season. Porto topped the group on that occasion. However, with a full strength side, Arsenal had put four past them. Arsenal, on their day can beat Porto.

Otherwise, they could be in trouble. This year, Arsenal topped their group while Porto finished second in theirs behind Chelsea.

Prediction : I will leave this one out.

8. AC Milan vs Man United

David Beckham had previously stated his desire to play against his former club. Well, at least, his dreams have come true. The last time these sides played in the Champions League, Man United were battered 3-0 during a rainy night. AC Milan went on to win their last Champions League that season. This one should be interesting.

Prediction : This one is probably the hardest one to call. AC Milan can surprise Man United as they did to Real Madrid in the group stages. Since I went for Chelsea in the other England-Italy tie, I will go for AC Milan in this one.

Who do you think will progress in their respective clashes? Your views and comments are definitely welcome.