The Champions League returns: Who will be European champions in 2023?

Due to the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the group stage ended in November, which was earlier than usual. But now, with international duties out of the way for the players, the road to the final in Istanbul on June 10th can continue and really heat up.

The knockout stages begin with the round of 16. UEFA have drawn eight intriguing ties that include some real heavyweights facing off at a relatively early time in the competition, but what teams are in with a chance of making the quarter-finals?

Some of the match-ups here will be real blockbuster games. In a repeat of last year's final in Paris, the current holders, Real Madrid, will meet Liverpool. The two sides have played each other several times in the later stages of the competition over the previous five years, with Madrid getting the better of Jurgen Klopp's side on all occasions. Both teams are playing poorly in their domestic leagues this season, so what impact will that have on this European Cup tie?

"I don't know how to analyse this particular match-up because we don't really know what to expect from these teams. But, if you're not performing in the league the way you should, I believe that they should turn it up in the Champions League because that's their way to save their season or their year."

Elsewhere, French and German league champions PSG and Bayern Munich will play one another in a repeat of the 2020 final. Both teams are finding it more difficult than usual to win their domestic titles at the moment, and that should keep their passion alight to succeed in this tie.

PSG are one of two Middle-East-funded clubs in the competition that are desperate to win their first Champions League title. The French champions, along with Manchester City, have come close over recent