For the past six months, Bayern Munich has shown little to suggest it could be on course for a successful season.
Mired in a six-team struggle at the top of the German Bundesliga, Bayern got through one of the weakest Champions League qualifying groups and was not among the favorites ahead of the round of 16.
That all changed Wednesday night as Jurgen Klinsmann's side obliterated Sporting Lisbon with a superb 5-0 victory in Portugal.
It makes the return leg in two weeks time a formality and announces Bayern as a force in Europe's top club competition.
Here is a look at how things will shake up from the second batch of round-of-16 ties played on Wednesday.
Chelsea 1, Juventus 0
Didier Drogba's early goal capped off a good night for Guus Hiddink, who was in charge of Chelsea at home for the first time. The London club already appears to be more organized and efficient now that Luiz Felipe Scolari has gone. You've got to like Chelsea's chances in Turin.
Prediction: Chelsea will qualify with a 1-1 draw (2-1 on aggregate).
Real Madrid 0, Liverpool 1
Liverpool's challenge for the English Premier League title is collapsing, but Rafa Benitez still has the magic touch in Europe. Despite an attacking onslaught from Real, Liverpool held firm and delivered a crushing blow with Yossi Benayoun's late header.
Prediction: Liverpool will qualify with a 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate) win.
Sporting Lisbon 0, Bayern Munich 5
Franck Ribery ran the show and Luca Toni also scored twice in the most dominant display of the round. Bayern can effectively put its feet up and look forward to the quarterfinals -- and will fear no one after this performance.
Prediction: Bayern will qualify with a 2-0 (7-0 on aggregate) win.
Villarreal 1, Panathinaikos 1
Villarreal still hasn't lost at home in Europe, but it lost the edge in this tie by failing to make the most of its chances. Giorgios Karagounis's spectacular strike put Panathinaikos on top and Villarreal had to rely on a Giuseppe Rossi penalty to pull even. The Greek team will return home as deserved favorites.
Prediction: Panathinaikos will qualify with a 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) win.
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