Champions League Returns: A Guide to Anticipate the Excitement
The highly anticipated Champions League last 16 kicks off this week, with holders Manchester City facing off against Danish champions FC Copenhagen. The only other British club in action is Arsenal, who are hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years. With an array of exciting fixtures on the horizon, football fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Europe’s premier competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming matches.
Kane and Bellingham hope for European glory
Two English players have been making waves in European football this season. England captain Harry Kane has been in sensational form for Bayern Munich since his move from Tottenham last August. In just 28 games, Kane has scored an impressive 28 goals and provided eight assists. He has also been a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League, netting four goals and providing three assists in six appearances. Kane’s Bayern side went unbeaten in the group stage and are now set to face Italian side Lazio in the last 16.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has been making a name for himself at Real Madrid. In his debut season with Los Blancos, Bellingham has scored 20 goals and crafted eight assists in 29 matches across all competitions. Although he will miss Tuesday’s match against Leipzig due to a sprained ankle, Bellingham’s presence will be sorely missed. Real Madrid, a record 14-time winner of the Champions League, will be hoping to have him back in time for the second leg.
Haaland for golden boot?
Last season, Erling Haaland of Manchester City finished as the top scorer in the Champions League with 12 goals from 11 games. This season, Haaland has already netted five goals from five group stage matches, putting him level with Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid, as well as Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund. While Hojlund’s United are no longer in the tournament, there are still plenty of players from English clubs who could challenge Haaland for the golden boot. Julian Alvarez and Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, as well as Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, all have their eyes set on the prestigious title. With Haaland’s track record, can he produce more individual brilliance this year?
What else to watch as Champions League returns
Aside from the standout fixtures involving British clubs, there are several other matches that promise to deliver excitement. Barcelona, back in the knockouts after a three-year absence, will take on Napoli, one of seven clubs in the last 16 who have never won the Champions League or European Cup. Paris St-Germain and Real Sociedad will meet for the first time in a UEFA competition, with PSG aiming to reach the last 16 for the 12th season running. Sociedad, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their first Champions League campaign after a decade away.
Inter Milan, last season’s runners-up and current Serie A leaders, will face off against Atletico Madrid, who boast the formidable duo of Morata and Griezmann in unstoppable form. PSV Eindhoven, currently leading the Dutch top flight, are hoping to reach their first Champions League quarter-final since 2007 but face a tough challenge from Borussia Dortmund, who have Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho in their squad.
Conclusion
With the return of the Champions League last 16, football fans can expect an exhilarating few weeks of top-level European football. From the standout performances of English stars Kane and Bellingham to the race for the golden boot led by Haaland, there is no shortage of excitement and drama on the horizon. With intriguing fixtures between clubs such as Barcelona and Napoli, PSG and Real Sociedad, and Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, this year’s competition promises to be one for the books. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for the rollercoaster ride that is the Champions League.