The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 kicks off today, March 4, 2025, with two exciting matches set to captivate football fans across the globe. The first match features Arsenal visiting PSV Eindhoven at the Phillips Stadion, where they'll compete for the first leg of their knockout tie at 17h (Brasília time). The second match showcases Borussia Dortmund hosting Lille at Signal Iduna Park at the same time.
PSV Eindhoven made headlines by eliminating Juventus with a thrilling 3-1 victory at home, as reported during the playoffs, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. Arsenal, on the other hand, qualified directly for the knockout stages, finishing third during the league phase with just one loss. Now, they seek to secure a favorable away result before the return leg at Emirates Stadium on March 12, also at 17h.
Fans can catch the thrilling encounter between PSV and Arsenal live on Max streaming service. Predictions seem varied; André Donke forecasts a close game with PSV losing 1-2 to Arsenal, whereas analysts Rafael Marques and Ubiratan Leal predict a 1-1 draw.
Possible lineups show PSV missing Brazilian Mauro Júnior due to injury and Lucas Pérez, who wasn't registered for the tournament. Their likely starting squad includes: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Boscagli, and Malacia; Vermeer, Schouten, Bakayoko, Saibari, and Lang; with De Jong leading the attack.
Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta grapples with injuries, having to manage the absences of key players including Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Martinelli. The team, expected to feature Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, and Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, and Trossard, will aim for clear ball control and convert their opportunities effectively.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund also steps onto the pitch with aspirations of repeating their Champions League success, albeit it took them more effort to qualify. They finished tenth during the first phase yet found redemption by knocking out Sporting with a solid 3-0 away victory, whereas they were held to a goalless draw at home.
Today, Dortmund faces Lille, who secured their position directly with seventh place overall, boasting 16 points. Broadcast live on Space TV and Max streaming, fans can follow the thrilling encounter as both teams aim for supremacy.
The potential starting lineups indicate Dortmund's strength with star player Serhou Guirassy, their top scorer with 24 goals this season, featured prominently. Dortmund's predicted lineup includes Kobel; Yan Couto, Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, and Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Adeyemi, and Gross; along with Bynoe-Gittens and Brandt; and Guirassy. Lille matches up with Chevalier; Meunier, Alexsandro, Diakité, and Gudmundsson; Bouaddi and André; Angel Gomes, Bakker, and Haraldsson; with David operating as their main attacker.
Recent form for both clubs highlights Borussia’s confidence, boasting three wins and one draw out of their last five matches. Conversely, Lille's form has been somewhat mixed, marked by two wins, two draws, and one loss, placing them fifth overall in the French Championship hierarchy.
Sports analysts are examining betting odds, with predictions favoring events like both teams to score at 1.78 (Superbet) and over 2.5 goals at 1.77 (Betano). Guirassy is projected to score at any moment during the match with odds at 2.20 (Bet365), putting focus on the attacking talents on display.
With kick-off imminent, both matches promise to deliver excitement, dramatic flair, and high-stakes football, as the teams aim to secure their places in the quarter-finals of the prestigious Champions League.