The road to Cardiff resumes with heavyweight Champions League clashes

The 1st legs of the opening set of last 16 ties of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League take place this week and there’s a real treat in store for football fans. Goals are expected at all four venues, as 8 of the 16 sides remaining in the competition attempt to get an early foothold in their respective ties.

Ángel Di María has had his moments against Barcelona when donning the famous Real Madrid shirt and he will get another chance to torment the Catalans on Tuesday evening . Paris Saint-Germain play host to MSN and company at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday and it promises to be a match to savour.

Borussia Dortmund trail Bayern Munich by 15 points in the Bundesliga and they may not have things all their own way in Portugal, against a dangerous-looking Benfica side in the evening’s other tie.

Bayern Munich are the strongest favourites and they will have the chance to eliminate Arsenal from the competition for the third time in 5 years. The sides also met in the group stages of the tournament last season, with the German champions running out 5-1 winners at the Allianz Arena. Robert Lewandwoski, Arjen Robben, David Alaba and Thomas Müller were all the score-sheet that night and all four players are expected to feature on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger is not expected to pull off any tactical surprises, as he attempts to reverse the Gunners’ fortunes against the Bavarian outfit.

Real Madrid entertain Napoli in the other tie played this week and the Italian side should not be under-estimated, bearing in mind that they have scored more goals than any other Serie A team this season.