Champions League preview, odds & betting picks | Round of 16

The UEFA Champions League continues this week as we reach the second leg of the round of 16. With previous winners Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all taking part, expect high-quality football on the greatest stage. Here are our free soccer betting picks for this week’s UCL action.

Bayern Munich vs Lazio

Tuesday, March 5 – 9pm CET – Allianz Arena

Aggregate score: 0-1

Coming in with a one-goal deficit, the pressure is rising on Bayern Munich, who enter this clash with just one win from their past five in all competitions. Heavyweights of the Champions League, they were expected to be far too strong for their Italian opposition after going through the group stage undefeated. However, in the first leg a reckless Dayot Upamecano challenge left Bayern down to 10 men and gifted Lazio a match-winning penalty goal.

Looking to pull off a miracle, Lazio now head on the road seeking their best Champions League result since reaching the quarterfinals in 2000. Bayern have rarely looked more vulnerable, but considering their heritage in the competition, it is hard to bet against them. With the return of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt set to boost their defence, expect the German giants to make a statement.

Real Sociedad vs Paris Saint-Germain

Tuesday, March 5 – 9pm CET – Reale Arena

Aggregate score: 0-2

Real Sociedad surprised more than a few observers by finishing top of a group that also contained runaway Serie A leaders Inter Milan. That form has not carried into the knockout phase, however, as they were comfortably defeated 2-0 in the first leg in Paris. Back at home this week, they will be hoping for a much better performance, but momentum is not on their side given they have lost their past three matches.

PSG come into this match heavily favoured to make it through to the next round. Despite recent poor performances in Ligue 1, expect the French side to bounce back as they look to break their last-16 curse. After announcing that this will be his last season in Paris, all eyes will be on star striker Kylian Mbappe, who has one last chance to carry his side to European glory.

Manchester City vs FC Copenhagen

Wednesday, March 6 – 8pm GMT – Etihad Stadium

Aggregate score: 3-1

Manchester City showed plenty of quality in Denmark three weeks ago as they brought home an aggregate 3-1 lead. Finishing top of Group G with a perfect record, the defending champions were given arguably the kindest draw against FC Copenhagen, who scraped out of their group with just two wins.

With a nearly full-strength squad, it seems unthinkable that City could botch this lead at home, particularly given they are undefeated in their past 19 matches in all competitions. Phil Foden has been especially impressive with 18 goals in all competitions this season, including four in the Champions League.

Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig

Wednesday, March 6 – 9pm CET – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

Aggregate score: 1-0

Perennial contenders Real Madrid were the other team to come out of the group stage with a perfect record. With just one loss from their past 31 matches, they enter this second leg as short-priced favourites with soccer betting sites to progress, as they hold a 1-0 lead thanks to a Brahim Diaz screamer in Leipzig.

Real Madrid will need to be wary of their Leipzig’s threat, as the likes of Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons have all shown their ability throughout the tournament. However, the Spanish giants have plenty of superstar talent of their own — particularly 20-year-old English midfielder Jude Bellingham, who already has 20 goals this season.

Sports betting picks