The teams that would qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals after the first leg of the round of 16, according to Artificial Intelligence

The round of 16 matches of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League are already in play and promise a knockout phase full of intense matches.

Among the most attractive series is the confrontation between Real Madrid and Manchester City, a duel that many consider an early final. In the first leg, played at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Spanish team gave a coup of authority by winning 3-0, a result that leaves them with a significant advantage heading into the second leg.

32 goals 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/hNIFllfPO9

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 12, 2026

From these matchups, Google Gemini’s artificial intelligence made a prediction about which teams are most likely to advance to the quarterfinals. The analysis takes into account factors such as recent performance, squad, tournament history and sporting moment.

PSG vs Chelsea

In one of the highlighted crossovers, the AI anticipates that Paris Saint-Germain will impose its solidity against Chelsea, which is going through an irregular season despite the change of coach and some signs of improvement. The current European champion starts with a 5-2 advantage after the first chapter of the series and will seek to maintain its hierarchy in the second leg.

Winner: PSG

Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Another interesting duel is Liverpool against Galatasaray. The Turkish team surprised in the first chapter of the series with a 1-0 victory, a result that leaves Liverpool forced to react at Anfield if they want to stay in the fight for the European title. Likewise, intelligence believes that Arne Slot’s team has improved since the group stage and could win the series.

Winner: Liverpool

Bayern Munich vs Atalanta

In Germany, the AI leans towards Bayern Munich, which appears as a clear favorite against Atalanta. The German giant practically sealed the tie with a crushing 6-1 in the first leg, an offensive display that positions it as one of the strongest candidates in the tournament.

Winner: Bayern Munich

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

The analysis also gives an advantage to Real Madrid in its confrontation with Manchester City, the Spanish team gave a coup of authority at the Santiago Bernabéu with a resounding 3-0 that leaves it with a significant superiority before the revenge in England.

Winner: Real Madrid

Federico Valverde — Real Madrid CF v Manchester City FC – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg | DeFodi Images/GettyImages

FC Barcelona vs Newcastle

The AI predicts that FC Barcelona will advance against Newcastle United, backed by its offensive power and the collective work of the Catalan team. The series remains completely open after the 1-1 draw in the first match, a result that leaves everything to be decided in the second leg.

Winner: FC Barcelona

Atlético de Madrid vs Tottenham

Atlético de Madrid also appears as a favorite, facing Tottenham Hotspur. Diego Simeone’s team starred in one of the rout of the day by winning 5-2, an important advantage that brings them closer to the quarterfinals.

Winner: Atlético de Madrid

Bodo/Glimt x Sporting Lisbon

For its part, Sporting Lisbon would be the one chosen to eliminate the surprising Bodø/Glimt: “The Norwegian Cinderella already made history by eliminating Inter, but Sporting de Portugal is an extremely organized and punchy team,” says Google Gemini. Although, the Norwegian club gave one of the big surprises of the first leg by winning 3-0, a result that completely changes the panorama of the tie.

Winner: Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Mikel Arteta’s team appears as favorites to advance in the tie, backed by their collective solidity and their ambition to get closer to the continental title for the first time. The series remains completely open after the 1-1 draw in Germany, with a penalty goal at the end that left the Londoners well positioned to define the classification at home.

Winner: Arsenal

Although football usually breaks any prediction, artificial intelligence projections offer an interesting look at what could happen in one of the most exciting phases of the continental tournament.