Champions League: Round of 16 ties ranked
By Orri Benatar
I know what you’re thinking, Bayern Munich got another easy draw, and are gonna waltz into the quarterfinals. That’s not the case.
Besiktas is having an exceptional season under Senol Gunes. The Black Eagles were one of four teams (Barca, Liverpool, and Spurs being the others), that went unbeaten in the group stage.
They secured four wins and two draws – in a difficult group with Porto, Red Bull Leipzig, and Monaco. They are no slouches.
The squad’s a collection of Premier League rejects including, Ryan Babel (Played for Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (On Loan from Sunderland), and Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City).
Add three attacking players who have re-found their form to a defense led by, red card aficionado Pepe and Chile’s Gary Medel, you have a team that could shock Bayern.
Munich’s still heavy favorites and gets to play Leg 1, at home. In the Allianz Arena, Bayern has won seven of the last eight knockout matches and have averaged almost, four goals per game.
The game at the Allianz Arena will determine who advances.
Leg 1 – Tuesday 2/20 – 2:45 pm EST – Allianz Arena
Leg 2 – Wednesday 3/14 – 1:00 pm EST – Vodafone Stadyumu