01 
Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
13 Mar 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Predictions 2025/26: Round of 16 Second Legs
All predictions for the second legs of the 2025/26 Champions League Round of 16. Current form, background info, and exciting matchups. Info on the Champions League.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Predictions 2025/26: Round of 16 Second Legs
The current Champions League season is slowly but surely heading into its decisive phase. In the second legs of the Round of 16, some teams are entering the match with a comfortable lead from the first leg—while in many other matchups, everything remains up in the air. Atalanta and Tottenham, in particular, face a monumental task and must hope for a minor miracle to overcome their significant deficits. Other clubs aim to confidently capitalize on their strong starting positions. Surprisingly, Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray have evolved from underdogs into serious contenders for the quarterfinals. The Champions League quarterfinals are drawing closer, and top teams like Bayern Munich, PSG, and Arsenal still have their sights firmly set on the trophy.
Merkur Quick Tips for the Champions League Round of 16 Second Legs
Sporting Lissabon vs. Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected winning streak in the Champions League continues with their 3-0 victory in the first leg. Sporting now faces the daunting task of overturning the result in front of their home crowd and building on their previous winning streak in the Champions League. The Portuguese will try to press high up the field, while the Norwegians are likely to rely on disciplined defensive work and quick counterattacks. An emotional match with intense pressure on the hosts is expected.
Tip: Under 3.5 goals
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
Following the surprising 0-3 loss in Madrid, City faces a monumental task. Pep Guardiola’s team must try to control the game from the start while also addressing their own defensive weaknesses. Real can rely on their trademark counterattacking prowess, with Vinícius and his teammates sure to find open spaces time and again. Fans can look forward to an intense Champions League match with plenty of pace.
Tip: Both teams score
FC Chelsea vs. Paris SG
PSG heads to London with a comfortable 5-2 lead. Despite their recent league slip-up against Monaco, the defending champions still boast a high level of individual quality. Chelsea will have to take some risks, apply pressure early on, and hope to build momentum. That could play right into the French side’s hands, as players like Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia give them the potential to counterattack at lightning speed.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals
Arsenal London vs. Bayer Leverkusen
The 1-1 draw in the first leg leaves this matchup wide open. Leverkusen has impressively demonstrated that it can hold its own against the Premier League leaders. However, Arsenal is likely to have significantly more possession at the Emirates Stadium and play with greater attacking intent. Leverkusen remains dangerous on the counterattack, but tends to come up short in one-on-one situations. An Arsenal elimination would be a real sensation. Suspense is guaranteed right up to the final minute.
Tip: 1
FC Barcelona vs. Newcastle United
Barcelona and Newcastle were evenly matched in the first leg—to the English side’s detriment. Despite high intensity and numerous shots on goal, they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage. Now the Camp Nou awaits. There, Barça will rally its forces and try to gain more control. Anything can happen in this tactically thrilling duel featuring an open exchange of attacks.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
FC Liverpool vs. Galatasaray Istanbul
At Anfield Road, Liverpool is already under pressure following their 0-1 loss in Istanbul. The Reds created enough chances to score in the first leg, but lacked the necessary clinical finishing. Playing in front of their home crowd, the home team is likely to come out much more determined. Galatasaray will look to counterattack—but the English side’s attacking style of play could pay off this time.
Tip: 1 + both teams to score
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Atletico Madrid
After their 2-5 loss in Madrid, Tottenham will need to pull off a minor miracle, but given their current losing streak, the odds are stacked against them. In the first leg, Atlético ruthlessly exploited every weakness of the Spurs and were highly effective on the attack. The Spurs will need to come out aggressively, but that’s likely to lead to dangerous counterattacks. The match promises to be fast-paced with plenty of scoring opportunities.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals
Bayern München vs. Atalanta Bergamo
The 6-1 rout in the first leg left Bergamo in a very dire situation—and that was even without star striker Harry Kane. Bayern dominated every phase of the game and displayed tremendous offensive firepower. Despite potential lineup changes, the German record champions are likely to dictate the pace of play in the second leg as well. The only downside to the convincing victory was the injuries sustained by Davies, Musiala, and Urbig.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
