The Champions League returns this week — this is The Athletic's definitive guide to the competition's return
The Champions League anthem has faded into the background since the group stage was wrapped up in December, but it’s time to crank up the volume again. Europe’s top club competition has returned. Sixteen teams remain and the knockout stage is where the fun really begins. But what are the key match-ups? Who are the dark horses? Where will each tie be won and lost? Allow The Athletic to provide the definitive breakdown for you.
That isn’t a case of Manchester City, who were also in their group, stacking the statistical deck, either — Leipzig had the lower field tilt in five of their six group games, only enjoying an advantage in a 3-1 win over Red Star at Red Bull Arena. Even more worrying is their lack of trademark forward pressing — they are winning just 3.7 possessions in the attacking third per game.
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