Clubs have favorable conditions
Arsenal.
But with the seemingly easy draw results this time, Wenger has another chance to hide from criticism for a while longer.
Monaco defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the Emirates Cup training tournament last summer, but the 1/8 round of the Champions League could very well be a different story, with the advantage favoring the English club.
Monaco wins Group C, but they only have 11 points after six matches – two points less than Arsenal.
Real Madrid.
There have been many changes at Schalke since then, with coach Jens Keller having to make way for Roberto di Matteo.
Schalke has the quality to cause difficulties and surprises for strong opponents, possessing a lot of talent.
Schalke reminded Real of Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale of beautiful memories last season.
Basel.
Porto is a regular guest of the Champions League and is of course more appreciated, but they still have a lot of work to do under new coach Julen Lopetegui.
Teams are at a disadvantage
Barcelona.
In that context, Man City is probably the opponent that Barca does not want to encounter in the round of 16.
Man City (white shirt) is the second-place team that Barca least wants to meet in the 1/8 round.
In the must-win match against Roma in the final round of the group stage, Man City achieved its goal, even without key players Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and especially striker Sergio Aguero.
There is another factor that is not from Man City, but is big enough to put pressure on Enrique and his team.
Two French representatives.
PSG under Laurent Blanc has not clearly demonstrated its ability to overcome Europe’s elite teams in the Champions League knockout round.
Ibrahimovic’s PSG reunites with former coach Mourinho’s Chelsea and last season’s scenario will likely recur, when the English team proved to be much stronger.
Monaco finished the group stage at the top, but mainly thanks to being in a group that was considered easy.
Juventus.
Juve is only second in the group stage, three points behind Atletico Madrid, and only one point ahead of third-place team Olympiakos.
Borussia Dortmund is currently struggling in the bottom three of the Bundesliga table.
Nguyen Phat
