Champions League returns to action on Wednesday and experts think this is the end of the line for Lionel Messi and company. The UEFA Champions League round of 16 second legs are currently taking place as the race for supremacy in Europe continues. On Tuesday, Benfica shut the door on struggling Club Brugge while Chelsea turned things around and eliminated Borussia Dortmund. PSG and Bayern Munich square off on Wednesday with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and company facing an uphill battle while looking to overcome a 1-0 deficit in Bavaria, while Tottenham welcome AC Milan to London.
One matchup to watch: Dayot Upamecano vs. Kylian Mbappe -- The two France international teammates are likely to see a lot of each other come Wednesday. Although Matthijs de Ligt might also be brough more central given Benjamin Pavard's suspension, Mbappe will likely favor going up against Upamecano where possible given his knowledge of his fellow Frenchman. The first leg was all about Mbappe and he only came on as a second half substitute before ripping into Bayern with the help of Nuno Mendes. Expect 90 minutes of PSG trying to do just that again here.
Most likely to score a goal: Mbappe -- The opening leg only really came to life when Mbappe came on and his introduction transformed PSG. With the French champions' season effectively on the line here, expect Mbappe to at least have some say as Christophe Galtier's men attempt to score their way to qualification. Given what we have seen from Les Parisiens against Lille and Marseille domestically, no Neymar in Bavaria could actually benefit PSG as it simplifies things in attack and maximizes the impact of Mbappe's searing pace.
Man of the Match pick: Nuno Mendes -- The Portugal international was sensational in the second half of the first leg and Galtier will try to replicate that showing as PSG really tested Yann Sommer in the Bayern goal. Whether it will be enough depends on how clinical Mbappe and Lionel Messi can be, but the LOSC and OM showings have been promising as far as goals are concerned. The only concern over Mendes might be his ability to go the full 90 and potentially beyond given his recent knock against Lille.
Match prediction: Bayern 1-3 PSG (after extra time) -- Such a result would put the Ligue 1 leaders through and the Bundesliga giants out. Julian Nagelsmann's men really should have buried Galtier's side in Paris when they had the chance. Counterattacking suits this PSG side and Mbappe in particular who has already shown his ability to deliver at Allianz Arena in recent years. Gianluigi Donnarumma could be the difference in whether or not this one goes beyond 90 minutes, but do not be surprised if PSG fly out of the traps looking to erase Bayern's first-leg advantage as soon as possible.
