The UEFA Champions League round of 16 has commenced, with top European teams vying for a spot in the final in Munich on May 31st.
Tuesday featured the Madrid Derby, where Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory at home. Wednesday’s highlights include a German clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, and Liverpool, led by Mohamed Salah, facing Paris Saint-Germain with the in-form Ousmane Dembele.
Ahead of these exciting matchups, CBS Sports experts share their picks and predictions.
Wednesday’s Champions League Matches
Here are expert predictions for Wednesday’s Champions League games:
Feyenoord vs. Inter
James Benge: 1-2
Roger Gonzalez: 0-2
Francesco Porzio: 0-1
Chuck Booth: 0-1
Pardeep Cattry: 0-1
Bayern vs. Leverkusen
James Benge: 1-0
Roger Gonzalez: 1-1
Francesco Porzio: 1-1
Chuck Booth: 1-1
Pardeep Cattry: 1-0
Benfica vs. Barcelona
James Benge: 3-1
Roger Gonzalez: 3-0
Francesco Porzio: 2-1
Chuck Booth: 3-1
Pardeep Cattry: 3-1
PSG vs. Liverpool
James Benge: 2-2
Roger Gonzalez: 1-1
Francesco Porzio: 2-1
Chuck Booth: 1-2
Pardeep Cattry: 2-1
PSG vs. Liverpool
Player to watch: Ousmane Dembele – Dembele, in excellent form, has been a key player in the Champions League. This match against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will test his scoring ability against top defenders. — James Benge
Man of the match: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Kvaratskhelia has quickly become influential for PSG since joining in winter. His performance in these games will be crucial for PSG’s chances of advancing. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 1, Liverpool 2 – This is a tough match to call. PSG has improved with additions like Kvaratskhelia, but Liverpool, despite potential fatigue, has Mohamed Salah, who can give them an edge. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele and Mohamed Salah both to have 2+ shots on target (+491) — Both in-form players are expected to test the goalkeepers. Salah is consistently performing at a high level, and Dembele is leading PSG’s attack. Expect shots in this potentially high-scoring game. — Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs. Benfica
Player to watch: Wojciech Szczesny – Szczesny’s performances are often eventful. His previous game against Benfica and recent Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid highlight his unpredictable, yet engaging play. — James Benge
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal – Yamal, a significant talent, needs to be decisive in this match. With nine goals and 11 assists, his contribution will be vital for Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Benfica 1, Barcelona 3 – While a high-scoring game like Barcelona’s previous 5-4 win against Benfica is unlikely, expect goals. Barcelona tends to aim for high scores, especially with Szczesny’s tendency to concede. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Lamine Yamal to score or assist (-105) — Barcelona aims to secure this round quickly, meaning numerous attacking opportunities. Yamal’s consistent goal contributions make this bet appealing. — Chuck Booth
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Player to watch: Jonathan Tah – Tah was crucial in Leverkusen’s previous victory over Bayern Munich, effectively neutralizing Harry Kane. Repeating this performance could empower Leverkusen. — James Benge
Man of the match: Granit Xhaka – This German derby is expected to be tight and tactical. Xhaka’s role could be decisive for Leverkusen against their Bundesliga rivals. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Bayern Munich 0, Bayer Leverkusen 1 – Despite Bayern’s Bundesliga lead, Leverkusen might have the edge in this Champions League tie. Leverkusen was unlucky in their previous draw against Bayern and could capitalize this time. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Joshua Kimmich to take 2+ shots (+165) — Facing a strong defense, Kimmich’s consistent shot attempts in Champions League matches make this a reasonable bet, especially in a potentially close home game. — Chuck Booth
