FRANCK FIFE/Getty ImagesThe UEFA Champions League makes a triumphant return this week, with 16 of European football's best sides still in with a shot of winning the most coveted prize in the club game.
The standout fixture of the last-16 first-leg matches sees Manchester United host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in a tie that has the potential to be so different from what many expected when the draw was made.
On the same night, AS Roma will go up against FC Porto, and there are two more intriguing ties to get stuck into on Wednesday. Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund visit Tottenham Hotspur, while European champions Real Madrid travel to face a rejuvenated Ajax team.
Here are the viewing details for these fixtures and a preview of two of the standout encounters.
Champions League Fixtures (Odds: Home, Draw, Away)
Tuesday, February 12
8 p.m. GMT: Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain (23-15, 45-17, 19-10)
8 p.m. GMT: AS Roma vs. FC Porto (11-10, 5-2, 47-16)
Wednesday, February 13
8 p.m. GMT: Ajax vs. Real Madrid (54-19, 41-13, 11-12)
8 p.m. GMT: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Borussia Dortmund (11-8, 13-5, 28-13)
Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.
In the United Kingdom, the matches will be shown on BT Sport and streamed via the BT Sport website.
In the United States, the matches can be streamed via B/R Live.
Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesWhen this tie was initially drawn, few gave the Red Devils a chance of getting past the French champions over two legs. Now, though, the game is an extremely tough one to call.
Primarily, that is due to the fact that since caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over at Old Trafford, his team have been rejuvenated. There's a fizz back in their football that was scarce for so long under Jose Mourinho; the Norwegian is getting the best from key players again, too.
Arguably, the most significant turnaround in form has been seen in Paul Pogba, who was on the scoresheet twice in the 3-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.
The France international has been banging in the goals as of late:
ESPN FC @ESPNFCIn 14 Premier League appearances under Jose Mourinho this season, Paul Pogba had 3 goals and 3 assists. https://t.co/xs7PbR8ppt
PSG appear vulnerable, too, and manager Thomas Tuchel will be taking a patched-up side to Old Trafford.
While Marco Verratti's return was a big boost on Saturday against Bordeaux, Edinson Cavani was substituted at half-time with an injury. It means he is set to miss the clash, with Neymar also absent.
United, by comparison, have had ideal preparation:
Rob Dawson @RobDawsonESPNAnother win, three goals, clean sheet and players rested ahead of PSG on Tuesday. Perfect afternoon for United and Solskjaer. Pogba, Martial and Herrera all quality.
With that in mind, United will edge this encounter at what should be a raucous Old Trafford. PSG's midfield issues will allow the hosts to take a foothold in the game, and the French outfit will have a deficit to make up in Paris on March 6.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Ajax vs. Real Madrid
Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesFollowing a calamitous start to 2018-19, Real Madrid are settling into an ominous groove just in time for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
After a draw at Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last week, they went to rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday and earned a brilliant 3-1 win. The authority and quality that has been associated with their three successive European Cup successes appears to be returning.
Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge commented on how well Los Blancos performed at the Wanda Metropolitano:
David Cartlidge @davidjacaRM the superior team in every single aspect and by some distance too. Modric, Kroos the key men in terms of controlling game, taking initiative when it was there to be won. Reguilón deserves a lot of praise for how he conducted himself yet again, such a solid performer.
Still, this is the third tough away game in a week for Madrid, and Ajax are not an opponent to be taken lightly after an impressive group-stage performance.
In Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech and Frenkie de Jong, who will join Barcelona in the summer, the Dutch side have a crop of high-class young players.
Even so, you sense the experience and confidence Madrid have going into the game in Amsterdam will see them earn a positive result on the night, even if Ajax have the potential to be testing opposition.
Prediction: Ajax 1-2 Real Madrid
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