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Champions League round of 16 power rankings

By James Dudko

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Lionel Messi of Barcelona in action during the Semi Final Second Leg match of the Copa del Rey between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona on February 8, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Lionel Messi of Barcelona in action during the Semi Final Second Leg match of the Copa del Rey between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona on February 8, 2018 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Champions League power rankings ahead of the round of 16, featuring Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and the usual cast of European heavyweights headline the Champions League last 16. They’re the main threats to a four-team contingent from the Premier League headlined by leaders Manchester City.

The Citizens have arguably the most favorable draw of the round against Basel. Neighbors Manchester United are a close second as they get ready to face a Sevilla side struggling for consistency under new manager Vincenzo Montella.

The tie of the round is undoubtedly PSG’s clash with Real Madrid. Led by Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Les Parisiens were electric during the group stage.

By contrast, champions Real have been mediocre in La Liga, but have the pedigree to win three titles in a row in the competition this grand old club values most of all.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Franco Vazquez of Sevilla FC celebrates with his teammates Miguel Layun and Jesus Navas of Sevilla FC after scoring his team’s second goal during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match between Sevilla FC and CD Leganes at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 7, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Franco Vazquez of Sevilla FC celebrates with his teammates Miguel Layun and Jesus Navas of Sevilla FC after scoring his team’s second goal during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match between Sevilla FC and CD Leganes at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 7, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /

16. Sevilla

Sevilla amassed the lowest points total of any of the teams who qualified for the round of 16. The club has also undergone some upheaval since finishing as runners up to Liverpool in Group E.

Most notably, there has been a change of manager, with Montella replacing Eduardo Berizzo. Results in the league have suffered somewhat since the change, however.

Sevilla have stumbled more than once in Spain’s top flight recently. They were beaten 5-1 by Eibar after drawing 1-1 at home to Getafe.

In fairness, Montella has been resting and rotating players to aid the club’s campaign in the Copa del Rey. The tactic paid off after Sevilla reached the final of the Spanish Cup at the expense of Leganes.

A place in the cup final offers a reminder of this club’s proficiency in tournaments. Sevilla won three-straight Europa League titles between 2013 and ’16.

The squad is smartly assembled and features ample quality in attack. In particular, striker Wissam Ben Yedder and playmaker Ever Banega can trouble any defense left in the competition.

Sevilla have also topped up their ranks with some Premier League talent. The club took midfield man Roque Mesa on loan from Swansea, as well as securing a temporary deal for Everton striker Sandro Ramirez.

Even so, it’s tough to believe these additions and cup experience will be enough for Montella’s men to outlast a United team topped up by the addition of Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window.

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