Champions League round of 16 power rankings

Find out who ranks where as the last 16 teams left in this season’s Champions League prepare for the start of the knockout phase.

Real Madrid didn’t top the standings in the Champions League group stages, but the holders will feel confident of surviving a draw against Napoli in the last 16.

By contrast, Arsenal won their group but still received a nightmare draw against familiar conquerors Bayern Munich. The draw, coupled with their struggles in the Premier League, already makes the Gunners a long shot to reach the quarterfinal.

Those are the factors influencing the power rankings on the eve of the last 16. Strength of draw, current league form and performances during the group stage all play a role, which means no second-place finisher at the group stage can make the top eight.

Here are the rankings for the first knockout phase.

16. Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen didn’t get many favors from the draw makers when they were handed a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid. Atleti have reached the final twice in the last three years and are masters of negotiating knockout soccer.

Leverkusen’s task is made harder by their own indifferent domestic form — the German club have lost their last two Bundesliga matches and sit all the way down in ninth place.

To make matters worse, Leverkusen will be without suspended playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu, who is serving a four-month ban for a breach of contract dating back to 2011.

Leverkusen made it through Group E without too much fuss, finishing ahead of Tottenham. There’s still enough quality in the ranks to trouble Atletico’s miserly defense, including striker Javier Hernandez and winger Julian Brandt.

However, the German side will still need a lot of luck to make it through.