Champions League Round of 16 Leg 2 Picks & Predictions (2025)
Eight tickets to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final round are on the line this week, as the UCL returns for the second leg of their Round of 16 ties. Below I've listed my three favorite Champions League bets for this midweek action across Europe.
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Champions League Round of 16 (Leg 2) Preview & Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Bayer Leverkusen (+190) vs. Bayern Munich (+135), DRAW (+255) | O/U 2.5 (-140/+110)
Let's pick it up in Germany, where Bayern Munich is looking to advance after piling on a 3-0 lead at home last Wednesday. They'll make the trip to Leverkusen, to take on their Bundesliga rival. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET from BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.
Bayern Munich dominated the first leg of this aggregate, out-shooting their rival 17-1 (6-1 on-target) while owning a 56-44% edge in possession. Being that they've amassed a 3-0 lead, there's not much of a reason for the Bavarians to go on the attack here. With Manuel Neuer (calf) sidelined, I fully expect Vincent Kompany's men to sit back and protect their third of the pitch.
On the other hand, Florian Wirtz (ankle) will also miss this match, so I'm not sure Leverkusen will have the firepower to rack up the goals. They're coming off of a tough 2-0 home domestic loss to Werder Bremen over the weekend, so clearly something's not right offensively. Don't expect a ton of fireworks in this one. I think we could be in for a low-scoring snoozefest.
Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (+110)
Lille (+165) vs. Dortmund (+165), DRAW (+235) | O/U 2.5 (-115/-110)
Only one of the eight matchups finished in a draw last week, and it was this tie between Lille and Dortmund (1-1). Karim Adeyemi (22') opened up the scoring for the BVB, while Hakon Arnar Haraldsson ('68) pulled things even for the French side. The aggregate shifts back west for the second leg. This contest is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. ET from Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille, France.
The Mastiffs have created a fortress at home, going 10-4-2 across their last 16 home matches in all competitions. They're also coming off of a 1-0 home win over Ligue 1 foe Montpellier over the weekend, so they stayed in solid form. When factoring in the home pitch advantage and their +7 goal differential in UCL action, I think it's easily worth a shot on Lille to advance at "coin flip" odds.
In a way, I agree this should be a pick ’em. But there's no denying that Dortmund has been the more volatile of the teams. Their downside can go much deeper than Lille's, especially as they're still getting firmed up under new manager Niko Kovač. The BVB have logged a 3-2-3 record under Kovač, and I'll take this chance to fade them in this tough road spot. Give me Lille to advance.
Bet: Lille to Advance (-105)
Atletico Madrid (+155) vs. Real Madrid (+170), DRAW (+250) | O/U 2.5 (-150/+120)
One of the three matches on Wednesday afternoon features an in-country clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Los Blancos carry a 2-1 lead into the second leg, courtesy of strikes from Rodrygo (4') and Brahim Diaz (55') in the home contest last Tuesday. Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m. ET from Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.
I'm expecting things to get a little wild in the capital city of Spain on Wednesday. I don't know if Atletico can pull off the comeback (+210 to advance), but I certainly think they'll make things interesting. They have plenty of offensive talent to erase the deficit, which is exemplified by the fact the Mattress Makers are averaging 2.3 goals per match in the UCL this season.
Speaking of offensive talent, look no further than powerhouse Real Madrid. They've registered 28 tallies in 11 Champions League matches (2.5 goals per match) this campaign. Atletico will be on the attack since they need goals, which should leave counter-attack opportunities for the visitors. They have the forwards up front to convert those chances. I'm going to lay the -150 juice and play the over 2.5 goals in this Atletico-Real clash.
Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-150)