Hey there! The UEFA Champions League round of 16 got off to a thrilling start on Tuesday, and hopes are high that Wednesday’s action delivers similar entertainment. I’m Pardeep Cattry with a Champions League-themed update.

📺 Footy fix

All times U.S./Eastern

Wednesday, March 5
🇪🇺 UCL: Feyenoord vs. Inter, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
🏴 WSL: Chelsea vs. Leicester, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🇪🇺 UCL: Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🌎 CCC: Herediano vs. LA Galaxy, 8:30 p.m. ➡️ FS2

Thursday, March 6
🇪🇺 UEL: Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🇪🇺 UEL: Ajax vs. Eintracht Frankfurt, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🌎 CCC: Inter Miami vs. Cavalier, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS2

⚽ The Forward Line

🇪🇸 Real Madrid beats Atletico in first leg

Real Madrid drew first blood in their round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, notching a 2-1 win in a competitive first leg.

The scoreline reflects a closely-contested game in which the teams traded meaningful spells of possession, impressive attacking moments and ultimately, three extremely well-taken goals. Rodrygo kicked things off by giving Real Madrid the lead just four minutes in, but Atletico had their equalizer shortly after the half-hour mark thanks to Julian Alvarez. Things eventually broke Los Blancos’ way in the second half courtesy of Brahim Diaz, and then the reigning champions did well to slow down the tempo of the game and collect a narrow first leg advantage.

In a season of inconsistency for Real Madrid, Tuesday’s victory offered a first signal that they are still the team to beat in this competition. Los Blancos’ run to the title last season was defined by an uncanny ability to win even in imperfect circumstances, a habit that has not always been on display this campaign. It raised questions about whether or not they would be able to beat an in-form Atletico, but Chuck Booth writes that the first leg victory arguably feels like a return to normal for Real Madrid – and at just the right time.

• Booth: “Frankly, outside of a rivalry win meaning a little more, this is business as usual for Los Blancos. They rotated just enough to keep the team fresh in La Liga over the weekend and came out to win a UCL knockout game and will now look to win another one next week. The phrase, ‘If you come at the king, you best not miss,’ is reserved for Real Madrid in the Champions League.”

A narrow one goal advantage, though, means Real Madrid still have plenty to prove when they meet at Atletico’s grounds next week. The big question, then, is if Carlo Ancelotti’s side are peaking at the right time or if their inconsistencies this season will cost them a spot in the quarterfinals.

🔗  Midfield Link Play

🇪🇺 Liverpool, Bayern aim to prove their worth

Round of 16 action continues on Wednesday as several European heavyweights take to the pitch in an effort to stake their claim as a future Champions League winner, though some teams are in better shape than others.

Liverpool return to Champions League play for the first time since topping the league phase, which marked a truly impressive start to Arne Slot’s tenure in charge of the Reds. Things have changed a little since – though they have booked themselves a spot in the EFL Cup final, the fatigue of a demanding season has seemingly caught up with them, but things continue to tilt in their favor. Moahmed Salah is still contributing at record-breaking levels, and the Reds will come into Wednesday’s game at Paris Saint-Germain as fresh as possible after not making it to the FA Cup fifth round.

Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, are a bit of an unknown. Luis Enrique’s young side snuck into the knockouts after a very difficult league phase, but recalibrated after a dominant knockout phase playoff tie against Brest. How ready they are to take on Liverpool is a big question – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a strong addition to the roster and Bradley Barcola has finally found a good run of form, but it may not be enough to take on the Reds.

Meanwhile in Germany, another pivotal clash will take place between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. The former might be eight points ahead of the latter in the Bundesliga, but Bayern feel like they are on somewhat shaky ground heading into this clash. Vincent Kompany’s side have not looked their best against any vaguely competitive opponent, including Leverkusen.

🔗  Top Stories

🔴 Arsenal score seven: Arsenal all but clinched a berth in the quarterfinals after a commanding 7-1 win at PSV in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

🔵⚫ Inter’s new look: Inter plan to play in a new formation when they play Feyenoord in Champions League action on Wednesday.

🇪🇺 UCL preview: Ahead of Wednesday’s action, here are some picks from the CBS Sports team.