This past Friday eight teams discovered their next opponents in the 2024 Champions League knockout stage. We have a clash of titans with defending champion Manchester City taking on 13 time winners Real Madrid. We also have the two teams with the longest odds of winning the championship, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund matching up as well. I’ll go over the matchups here:

First we have Barcelona facing PSG. Barcelona and PSG have both been underwhelming this year. Barca are struggling in La Liga and currently sit in 3rd place which is not common territory for Los Cules. PSG on the other hand are running away with Ligue 1 as usual but lack the fire power we have come to expect from them. Fortunately for both sides, they will most likely be favored in a semi final against either Atletico Madrid or Dortmund. I think PSG are slightly more consistent and should make it through to the semis comfortably. 

Next up we have Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. There is no doubt that these are the two smallest clubs left in the competition. However, both teams are playing for the only trophy that they are still alive in. Neither has been consistent in their respective leagues. If the season were to end today, neither team would qualify for the traditional Champions League format (We can expect a new format in 2025). Contrary to what many think, I believe this may be the most exciting matchup of the quarterfinals with both teams going all out to win their respective home matches. Expect goals from two great offenses against two poor away defenses. 

Arsenal are up against Bayern Munich. This is a match up with some great storylines and great potential. Arsenal are up against a familiar European opponent as these teams have faced off 12 times in previous champions leagues. The last three of which have ended in 5-1 routes in favor of Bayern. Furthermore, Bayern Munich have brought in a familiar enemy for Arsenal in Harry Kane who has scored 14 goals in his 17 EPL matches against Arsenal when he played for cross town rivals Spurs. This should be an exciting matchup between two teams that both play exciting and open football. I do expect Arsenal to pull through and win this tie by a couple goals. 

If you wish to gamble on these games might I recommend:

Real Madrid +162 to qualify for the semifinals. Anytime you can get plus money on Real Madrid, you have to take it. 
Nathan’s No Good Very Bad Parlay:
Real Madrid, PSG, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal all too advance +1273