UCL Fantasy: Champions League Last 16 Draw

After a turbulent Group Stage we look ahead to the UEFA Champions League Last 16 draw. We overview each matchup drawn from a UCL Fantasy perspective, highlighting all of the favourites and which players could become popular picks for managers.

The Champions League last 16 draw is absolutely crucial for UCL Fantasy managers as we enter the latter stages of the competition. Knowing which teams are favourites can help with important decisions regarding drafts, captaincy and the use of chips.

FC Porto v Arsenal

Arsenal face Porto in their last 16 tie. The English side finished top of their group with 13 points – scoring 16 goals and conceding just four. Arsenal proved a valuable team for UCL Fantasy managers during the Group Stage and the likes of defender William Saliba (€5.5m) and midfielder Bukayo Saka (€9.8m) could become popular assets once again.

Napoli v Barcelona

Barcelona have drawn Napoli. This is a massive tie in the last 16 and one UCL Fantasy managers may find difficult to navigate. Both sides have proven to be worthy opposition during the Group Stages and some could even avoid investment in this game.

PSG v Real Sociedad

PSG finished second in their ‘Group of Death’ whereas their upcoming opposition, Real Sociedad came out on top in their group. Many will see this as a walkover for PSG and forward Kylian Mbappe (€11.5m) but the Spanish side could pose as awkward opposition. Real Sociedad were also a go-to for cheap assets like defender Aihen Munoz (€4.9m) and midfielder Brais Mendez (€6.9m) which could continue.

Inter v Atletico

This could be another tight tie overall. Inter finished second in their group whilst heavily rotating their players. Inter assets like midfielder Marcus Thuram (€6.5m) and wing-backs Denzel Dumfries (€5.4m) and Federico Dimarco (€5.3m) could become popular picks. Atletico strikers Alvaro Morata (€8m) and Antoine Griezmann (€10.7m) should also gain some interest.

PSV v Dortmund

Dortmund topped the ‘Group of Death’ this season and will likely go into their draw against PSV as heavy favourites. That may be the case but it could be tough for UCL fantasy managers to feel convinced on which assets to go for. Some may opt for midfielder Julian Brandt (€7.5m) who has been hugely influential for the German side this season.

Lazio v Bayern

Bayern won every single one of their group games and come into the tie with Lazio as massive favourites. Many in the UCL Fantasy community will be looking to invest heavily in the German side. Assets like striker Harry Kane (€10.1m) and midfielder Leroy Sane (€9.1m) will most likely be some of the highest owned players in the last 16.

Copenhagen v Manchester City

Manchester City are another side whom won every single matchup in the Group Stage. They will also be massive favourites going into the tie. Striker Erling Haaland (€11.7m) will likely become an essential for the last 16.

Real Madrid v Leipzig

It won’t be easy for Real Madrid as they face Leipzig in the last 16, although still favourites. The most obvious pick in the tie is midfielder Jude Bellingham (€7.9m) who was excellent throughout the Group Stage. Leipzig did however prove they can score against the best team in Europe so UCL Fantasy managers won’t be too afraid of picking players like midfielder Xavi Simons (€6.9m).