Champions League 2nd Round preview: Barcelona and who else?

The first knock out round of the Champions League will kick off on 12th February 2013 but the anticipation is already building up with very interesting match-ups that could see big teams knocked out at this stage.

Can anyone stop Barcelona? Can United survive against Madrid? Will the German champions continue their impressive European form? We look at all the Champions League matches and associated odds below.

Celtic v Juventus

Celtic are the heavy underdogs to start their Champions League tie against Juventus off with a win. However, Champions League odds for Celtic have been stacked against them throughout the competition and they will back themselves to get a first leg lead at home to take back to Italy.

Celtic are 37/10 with Betfair to win.

Valencia v Paris Saint-Germain

PSG have a great chance to prove they are more than just a developing side with a lot of financial muscle. However, Valencia have a decent home record and have lost just three league games at home this season. PSG would be satisfied with a draw ahead of the second leg.

PSG are 133/67 with Betfair to snatch a close win.

Real Madrid v Manchester United

The pick of the ties. Real Madrid will be going all out for a heavy win while Manchester United will just be trying to stay in the tie and get the game back to Old Trafford. United will fancy their chances of grabbing an away goal but they will be on the back foot throughout this match.

Real Madrid are 19/29 with Betfair to win.

Shakhtar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund

Shakhtar won 2-1 at home against Chelsea earlier in the competition so they won’t be daunted by the prospect of playing Dortmund. The German side won the most difficult group to reach this stage of the tournament which included Real Madrid, Manchester city and Ajax.

Betfair offers 19/11 on an away win in the first leg.

Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Arsenal have been handed a difficult tie yet again and they have to try and put a cushion between themselves and the German league leaders. Bayern will fancy their chances of ripping Arsenal apart at home so don’t expect to see too much expansive football from the away side.

Betfair make Bayern favourites at 11/10.

Porto v Malaga

This is a tie which could easily go either way and Porto are likely to just be the betting favourites. Malaga have been banned from this tournament next season so they should be determined to win in style and make a point. There could be a few goals in this game with attack the best part of either team.

Porto are just favourites at 6/7 with Betfair.

AC Milan v Barcelona

Another mammoth tie which would be fitting if it was the final. Barcelona will do what they do best and should have enough to come out on top over the course of 90 minutes. Milan have no choice but to attack and try to score goals because they will be pinned inside their own half during the second match at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are not expected to do anything other than win at 8/15 with Betfair.

Galatasaray v FC Schalke

Galatasaray will be encouraged by the fact they have reached this stage of the competition when many expected them to go out at the group stage. Schalke have been here before and have the experience of getting over the line in tense knock out Champions League football.

Schalke’s experience just makes them favourites with Betfair at 13/8.

Who do you think will win in the round of 16 and make it to the Champions League quarterfinals? Let us know in the comments below.