Champions League Ro16 first-leg betting tips | UCL 2024-25

Real Madrid will look to settle their score with Atletico when they clash in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Bayern Munich will face Bayer Leverkusen in another domestic blockbuster. Below are our free soccer betting picks for the first leg in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Club Brugge v Aston Villa

Wednesday, March 5 – 4:45am AEDT – Jan Breydel Stadium

Aston Villa secured direct qualification into the UCL last 16, while Club Brugge booked their place after edging out Atalanta in the playoff round. The inconsistent Premier League side could struggled on the road against a well-drilled counterattacking team that outclassed them on Matchday 4.

Borussia Dortmund v LOSC Lille

Wednesday, March 5 – 7am AEDT – Signal Iduna Park

Lille advanced into the knockout stage after finishing seventh on the table, while Dortmund thrashed Sporting Lisbon 3-0 in the playoff round to secure their place. BVB have been solid at home, and online bookmakers have the Bundesliga outfit as $1.70 favourites to defeat their defensibly vulnerable guests.

PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal

Wednesday, March 5 – 7am AEDT – Philips Stadion

Arsenal finished third in the league phase, while PSV advanced after their surprise 4-3 aggregate win over Juventus in the playoff round. After slipping out of the Premier League title race, the Gunners should do just enough to extend their four-game win streak against a resilient Dutch side.

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid

Wednesday, March 5 – 7am AEDT – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Beaten 2-1 by Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, reigning champions Real Madrid will have their mettle tested against crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid. Expect Carlo Ancelotti’s men to pull out all the stops to avoid a third consecutive stalemate against Atleti, especially with a challenging away fixture looming next week.

Feyenoord v Inter Milan

Thursday, March 6 – 4:45am AEDT – Stadion Feijenoord

Inter finished fourth on the Champions League table, while Feyenoord had to go past AC Milan in the playoff round. Although Feyenoord have been impressive at home, defeating both Bayern Munich and Milan, the Dutch side may struggle to replicate that success against the in-form Nerazzurri.

Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen

Thursday, March 6 – 7am AEDT – Allianz Arena

After advancing into the last 16 following their marginal win over Celtic in the playoff round, Bayern Munich will have their work cut out against Bayer Leverkusen, who secured automatic qualification with a sixth-place finish. These sides have drawn twice already this season, and another stalemate would be no surprise.

Benfica v Barcelona

Thursday, March 6 – 7am AEDT – Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Runners-up Barcelona will fancy their chances against Benfica, who secured their spot in the last 16 with a playoff victory over AS Monaco. Robert Lewandowski scored his 34th goal of the season against Real Sociedad on Sunday, and top betting sites are paying $2.05 for the Barca forward to add to his tally.

Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool

Thursday, March 6 – 7am AEDT – Parc des Princes

Top of the Premier League and Champions League standings, Liverpool will nonetheless face a stern test when they travel to Paris to face a PSG side that won 10-0 on aggregate against Stade Brestois in the playoff round. Since both teams boast impressive attacking might, expect to see plenty of goals in this encounter, with the incomparable Reds ultimately prevailing.

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