Champions League draw: Ranking the round of 16 ties

With the Champions League round of 16 draw complete (which produced some very interesting encounters), here’s a ranking of the matches.

This is the part of the Champions League that really matters. With the group stage behind us, the round of 16 draw on Monday produced eight very interesting ties.

While some matches are better than others (on paper, anyway), all of them are expected to produce passion and excitement.

Below are the eight tie, ranked from worst to best, that will be played starting in February. The first legs are hosted by the group runners-up on Feb. 12, 13, 19 and 20, while the group winners host the second legs on March 5, 6, 12 and 13.

8. Schalke vs. Manchester City

One of three German-English ties to come out of this draw, this is easiest the weakest of them. Manchester City, in search of a first Champions League title, should have an easy time overcoming what may very well be the weakest of all 16 clubs at this stage of the tournament.

While Pep Guardiola’s attack-minded side are clear favorites, their form in the group stage might be some cause for concern. They ended up top of Group F, but lost and drew to Lyon and were slightly fortunate to win against Hoffenheim.

7. Lyon vs. Barcelona

Barcelona, with Lionel Messi is fine form, should have no problems sweeping aside the French club. Barca are unbeaten in six previous meetings with Lyon, winning four and drawing two of those games.

6. Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus

Juventus are also seeking a Champions League title, although the Spanish club could prove difficult. Juve, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack, are a team no one wants to play.

Nonetheless, Atletico are unbeaten in their last nine matches against Italian clubs, with seven wins and two draws.

5. Ajax vs. Real Madrid

This would have been a great encounter … in 1987! Real may be the defending European champions, but they haven’t played like one. Ajax, known for producing wonderful Dutch talent over the past few decades, could very well pull off a shocker here. History, however, is on Real Madrid’s side. They have won their last six games against Ajax, scoring 20 goals in that span and giving up just two.

4. Roma vs. Porto

This is another tie any side can win. In that way, it’s the most-favorable draw these two sides could have ever wanted. Roma reached the semifinals of the tournament last season, proof that any team could get hot in the knockout round.  Porto are stronger, but this match could go either way.

3. Manchester United vs. PSG

PSG are another team who have spent lots of money with the goal of capturing the Champions League. Manchester United, in the midst of a rough patch, could be eliminated early in another sign of how badly Jose Mourinho has managed the club this season.

PSG and Neymar face Manchester United for the first time in this competition. Despite dominating the French league for years, the Qatari-owned club have never progressed past the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

2. Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich

Another German-English matchup could be one for the ages. Bayern’s last game against Liverpool was the 2001 UEFA Super Cup in Monaco, where the English club won 3-2.

At the same time, Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp has faced Bayern more than any other team in his coaching career. Over 29 games, he has amassed a 9-4-16 record. Liverpool avoided a rematch with Real Madrid. The English club have never played Bayern since the tournament was rebranded the Champions League.

1. Tottenham vs. Borussia Dortmund

Two of the best teams in Europe at the moment will square off in the final German-English matchup in this round.

There is some recent past between the sides. Spurs defeated BVB in last season’s group stage (3-1 at home) and (2-1 away) and expect two close games once again. Should these two sides maintain their form through the winter, Spurs-BVB could very well be a home-and-away series for the ages.