The first legs have been completed of each Champions League tie, so each game will be analysed and it will be determined who the favourite to go through is.
1. AC Milan 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
AC Milan were early scorers in that game with Brahim Diaz bundling the ball in, but will be massively disappointed not to add to that scoreline considering just how sloppy Spurs were. They will certainly have a tricky time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The return of Mike Maignan may help, but Harry Kane and Spurs’ attack will certainly be hungry.
Most likely to advance: Tottenham Hotspur – 65% chance
Tottenham will use the momentum of the home crowd to help them advance, though Milan will certainly have a say and could surprise.
2. PSG 0-1 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich quietly got the job done at the Parc des Princes and has looked incredibly strong in all areas this year. If injuries remain quiet, they are contenders for the whole competition. PSG have looked shaky in recent games but when you have Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, simply anything is possible.
Most likely to advance: Bayern Munich – 70% chance
Bayern Munich have just got to remain composed in Munich to get the job done. Defending well will be important, but as long as PSG’s stars are kept somewhat quiet, Bayern will not have a struggle.
3. Club Brugge 0-2 Benfica
Benfica have been the team to beat in Portugal this season, and they cruised away in Belgium to a victory which should all-but secure them a quarter-final spot. Brugge have looked poor since Scott Parker had been hired, and this result was not a surprise.
Most likely to advance: Benfica – 90%
I cannot vision a way in which Benfica struggle at home with a 2-goal advantage. Club Brugge need something special and the form of Joao Mario and Goncalo Ramos, it is hard to see.
4. Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Chelsea
A madly strange game in Germany, where it feels both teams should have scored more. In the end, it was settled by Karim Adeyemi’s fantastic solo run. It is hard to have a read on Potter’s Chelsea at the minute who look to have a morale problem.
Most likely to advance: Borussia Dortmund - 55%
A range of factors can change in a month, which makes this game impossible to predict. The result of this game depends on Chelsea, who can only improve in the next month. If they potentially have a new manager and have found some goals, it may tip their way. Dortmund can do more damage though, and if nothing changes it could lead their way.
5. Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Napoli
Randal Kolo Muani’s yellow card did not do the German side any favours, but Napoli translated their classy form into the Champions League against the Europa League winners. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looked impressive in this game, and of course Victor Osimhen made a statement.
Most likely to advance: Napoli – 95%
Napoli will not have an issue advancing, and are one of the favourites in this whole competition. Frankfurt simply are not on Napoli's level, and hopefully Napoli get a tasty quarter-final tie.
6. Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
The performance of Los Blancos was astonishing at Anfield. Luka Modric, at 38, and Karim Benzema, at 35 were astonishing alongside Vinicius Jr. They tore apart Liverpool, who were rancid in defence. Liverpool looked good at 2-0 up but have no defensive prowess whatsoever at the minute. It will require a Barcelona-esque performance for Liverpool at the Bernabeu
Most likely to advance: Real Madrid – 95%
To put 100% would be believing a miracle is impossible, and we have seen this sort of craziness. However, Real Madrid are far supreme in comparison to Liverpool and they will not give up four goals at home. Real Madrid can easily start thinking about the quarter-finals.
7. RB Leipzig 1-1 Manchester City
Manchester City have simply seemed underwhelming all season despite some good results still. They have not reached the heights which they had in seasons prior. Mahrez scored well but they never truly looked like adding to it, while Leipzig fully deserved that Gvardiol goal.
Most likely to advance: Manchester City – 75%
City should not struggle at the Etihad, but Leipzig have proved their ability to find goals, and everyone vividly remembers that 6-3 game not far back. If City play at 70%, they should get through. With their league in doubt, they will want to make the UCL count.
8. Inter Milan 1-0 Porto
Inter will be disappointed not to capitalise more on Otavio’s red card, but it was great to see Romelu Lukaku score after his disappointing World Cup. It will not be easy in Porto for Inter with only a 1-goal lead.
Most likely to advance: Porto – 55%
Surprisingly perhaps, I am backing a Porto comeback. Inter Milan do not have the firepower to breeze through this one, and I feel Porto can force at least an extra-time and test Inter. They will need to perform well, but Porto have the experience in these games as much as Inter do.
Unfortunately, we have to wait until March to receive the next dosage of Champions League games, but hopefully we will be in for more drama and intrigue.
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