The UEFA Champions League round of 16 officially begins this week as several European heavyweights begin to make their case to reach the May 31 final in Munich and win the whole thing. This round's action is headlined by the latest edition of the Madrid Derby as well as another regional matchup between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti's insistence on allowing the brilliantly-talented Madrid players freedom keeps paying off, even if it can be risky

History suggests there will be nothing easy about Atletico Madrid's bid to beat Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, but manager Diego Simeone said he senses an opportunity for his side to end their disastrous run against their rivals.