UEFA Champions League: 5 things to watch out for in the round-of-16

3) Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League beast mode

Cristiano Ronaldo is probably the greatest player in Champions League history and even at the age of 36, he is still going strong.

Having left Real Madrid two seasons ago, Ronaldo has maintained his Champions League form for Juventus as well but has been let down by his new team-mates.

Though he continues to defy the odds and assumptions that his age will slow him down, at the age of 36, this could realistically be his last chance of winning a sixth UCL.

So fans can expect to see a motivated CR7 put in a vintage Champions League performance.

Most goals in history (134) ✅Most goals in a season (17) ✅ Most goals in knockout stages (67) ✅Only player to score in 3 finals ✅Only player to score in 11 straight games ✅🥳 Happy 36th birthday, five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo! #UCL | #HBD | @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/G8lMclYH94

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 5, 2021

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4) Youngsters come to the fore

Over the years, the Champions League has seen quite a few young talents make a name for themselves. The latest and most prominent example of that was when an 18-year-old Kylian Mbappé led Monaco to the semi-final of the tournament.

Since then he has won the World Cup, moved to PSG, won numerous domestic honors and reached the finals of the Champions League.

There are plenty of talented youngsters on display in this year's knockout stages, hoping to prove themselves on the grandest stage of them all.

Erling Braut Haaland, having impressed in the UCL for RB Salzburg and Dortmund already, will be hoping to build on his reputation with the help of another talented youngster, Jadon Sancho.

Other big talents, such as João Félix, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, who meet when Chelsea take on Atlético Madrid, will also hope to leave their impact on the Champions League.

🥇 Golden Boy award winners (best under-21 player). Who's next? 🤔2⃣0⃣2⃣1⃣ ______ , ______ 2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣ Erling Haaland2⃣0⃣1⃣9⃣ João Félix2⃣0⃣1⃣8⃣ Matthijs de Ligt2⃣0⃣1⃣7⃣ Kylian Mbappé#UCL pic.twitter.com/sgKHdXFeXU

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 8, 2021

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5) Pep Guardiola to finally win the Champions League after 10 years?

Pep Guardiola is no doubt one of the greatest managers of all time, but his recent struggles in the Champions League have put a little dent in that reputation.

This season could be his best chance to rectify that trend, with aging superstars and struggling powerhouses like Real Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona and Liverpool as opponents.

His Manchester City team have been in exceptional form since the new year and are currently on a 10-match winning streak in the Premier League.

Guardiola will be hoping his team can carry that form into the Champions League and go all the way this season.

1️⃣ Southampton ✅2️⃣ Newcastle ✅3️⃣ Chelsea ✅4️⃣ Brighton ✅5️⃣ Palace ✅6️⃣ Villa ✅7️⃣ West Brom ✅8️⃣ Sheff Utd ✅9️⃣ Burnley ✅🔟 Liverpool ✅🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/3qS2POPGTm

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 8, 2021