Bayern Munich: Surveying potential UCL round of 16 match-ups

Bayern Munich are through to the Champions League round of 16, but could face some tough opposition thanks to their second place finish in group B. Here’s a look at the Bavarians’ potential match-ups.

Barcelona

Kicking things off in Southern Spain, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and co. would be a stern test for Bayern Munich. The Catalans won group D with relative ease, only allowing a single goal despite facing some tough opposition in Juventus, Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos.

Many expected las blaugranas to struggle this season after losing Neymar to PSG and Ousmane Dembel to injury. However, that has not been the case at all. Barcelona have not yet lost a match this season, and have a five-point cushion over Valencia atop the La Liga table.

The Spanish giants are not quite the most difficult team Bayern could face, but they are not far from it. Even with one of the “weakest” squads in recent memory, Barcelona remains one of the world’s best clubs. After all, they do still have arguably the world’s best player leading their attack.

Besiktas

On to Turkish champions Besiktas, who were comfortable winners in a relatively weak group G. On paper, this appears the easiest draw die Roten could get. However, getting a win in an away match at the Vodafone Park in Istanbul will be a tall task for whoever gets drawn against the Turks.

Bayern Munich would no doubt be satisfied with facing Besiktas, but cannot make the mistake of underestimating them. As showed in their convincing group G triumph, this Besiktas side is not to be taken lightly.

Liverpool

Three wins and draws each were enough to put Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in first place of Group H. It must be said, though, Liverpool’s was probably the least threatening of all the Champions League groups.

On one hand, manager Jurgen Klopp is no stranger to facing Bayern Munich thanks to his time in charge of Borussia Dortmund. Furthermore, the German tactician possesses some supremely talented attacking stars.

On the other hand, Liverpool’s defense is shaky at best, and could be easily exposed by Robert Lewandowski and co. Plus, it’s likely Bayern would be extra motivated to prove their 3-0 loss to Liverpool this past pre-season was simply a fluke.

Manchester City

On current form, Manchester City is the best club in Europe and the worst possible draw for the Bavarians.

Former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has his men playing like a team possessed. With 14 wins and a draw from 15 Premier League matches, the Citizens are setting England’s top flight ablaze with their phenomenal performances. Heck, they even win when they play poorly!

At the heart of City’s success is the outstanding Kevin De Bruyne, who might just be Europe’s best midfielder on current form. He’s surrounded by an incredibly deep midfield and an unbelievably talented attacking force.

In the past, Man City’s defense has let them down, but Pep’s somehow managed to even mend that, turning John Stones from somewhat of a mockery into one of the world’s best ball-playing defenders.

If City’s Premier League exploits aren’t enough to convince you, look at what they did to Napoli. Maurizio Sarri’s team was considered the only team capable of playing up to City’s level when the two teams met a few months back. That was until Guardiola’s men beat them 2-1 in Manchester, then traveled to Naples to embarrass them 4-2.

If there’s one team Bayern are hoping to avoid in the next round of the Champions League, it has to be Manchester City.

Manchester United

Keeping it in Manchester, Man City’s cross-town rivals Man United won Group A with five wins and a loss. However, anything less than first place would have been considered a failure for the Red Devils, considering their opposition.

Jose Mourinho and co. may not be quite the threat of their sky blue neighbors, but take them for granted at your own peril. No matter how you feel about his ultra-defensive tactics (I agree, they’re dreadfully boring), the man knows what he’s doing and has enough trophies to show for it.

Regardless, Bayern Munich would no doubt feel confident should they draw Manchester United in the round of 16. Mourinho may be a solid tactician, but Jupp Heynckes is quite the genius himself, and would be more than up for the managerial challenge.

This would be an entertaining tie, though, with several high-profile match-ups. Mats Hummels vs. Romelu Lukaku, Javi Martinez/Thiago vs. Paul Pogba and Joshua Kimmich vs. Anthony Martial would all be fun to watch. Not to mention the battle for world’s best goalkeeper between Manuel Neuer and David De Gea. But we already know who’d win that.

Roma

A match-up against Serie A’s Roma would not be the easiest for Bayern Munich, but it certainly would be favorable.

Roma narrowly emerged victors in group C thanks to head-to-head advantage over Chelsea (who actually had a superior goal differential). Despite the close call, they have been in good form recently.

Often deployed in a classic 4-3-3 under coach Eusebio de Francisco, Roma are used to playing a possession-focused game. They have one of the world’s most imposing box-to-box midfielders in Radja Nainggolan and a wonderful target man in Edin Dzeko.

They can be a real threat on their day, and have some wonderfully passionate fans. But it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Bayern Munich don’t comfortably see themselves past Roma into the next round.

Tottenham

Finally, we head to North London for a look at a young Tottenham side who just finished atop Group H over both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. In fact, the Spurs’ 16 points was the most gathered by any team this past knockout stage.

To only drop two points is impressive enough, but to do in the “group of death” against one of the world’s best clubs and Borussia Dortmund just makes it that much more remarkable.

Despite their wonderful form in Europe, Tottenham have plummeted in the Premier League, winning only one and losing three of their last six matches. Whereas about a month ago they looked like title contenders, they now sit 18 points off leaders Manchester City.

When blessed with a fully fit squad, Mauricio Pochettino can do wonders with his Tottenham side. However, the Spurs lack a little bit in terms of depth, and look pretty toothless without their talismanic striker Harry Kane.

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Furthermore, they’re still a relatively young squad, and might struggle with the pressure of big European matches. Any team, however, that beats Real Madrid 3-1 demands to be taken seriously.