PSG and Dortmund are favorites to advance in the Champions League.

The wins by PSG and Dortmund in the opening matches have led to these clubs being rated higher than their rivals, Monaco and Atalanta respectively. It is expected that they will hold on to their leads to progress to the last 16.

This is the second consecutive season that PSG faces a fellow French team in the first knockout round. Last season, under Luis Enrique, they began their Champions League title campaign with two wins totaling a 10-0 aggregate over Brest. However, PSG’s quest to defend their title this season faces a tougher challenge as their knockout opponent is Monaco.

Nonetheless, the comeback at Stade Louis II reminded everyone why PSG still carries the traits of a European champion. Enrique’s squad secured their first Champions League knockout match win in over two decades after trailing by two goals. This gives them a crucial advantage returning to Parc des Princes tonight. PSG has remained unbeaten in eight of their last nine home matches. This bodes well for Enrique’s team to protect their lead. The biggest concern for PSG is how they will perform without Ousmane Dembele, who suffered a calf injury in the first leg and is unlikely to recover in time for tonight’s rematch. As for Monaco, they have been eliminated in their last three knockout ties and have not reached the Round of 16 since the 2016-17 season. It won’t be easy for Pocognoli’s side to overturn the deficit in Paris, despite having beaten PSG domestically this season.