Uefa Champions League last 16: Gent in unchartered territory against Julian Draxler and Wolfsburg

Both teams are venturing into uncharted territory as they prepare for the European Cup knockout stages, writes Ian Hawkey.

Wolfsburg's Andre Schuerrle will want to prove the German team management that he is still a crucial player for them. Michael Sohn / AP Photo

The lowdown There is a temptation to wonder if Gent might be to the Uefa Champions League what Leicester City are to the current Premier League, upstart outsiders who, before we know it, might be five matches from the main prize. The Belgians, who only won their first domestic league last year, are in uncharted European territory. But then so are Wolfsburg, in the knockout phase for the first time in their history, though in poor form over the last three months in the Bundesliga. Whatever happens, either one will give a novel look to the quarter-final line-up.

How they got here

Gent The debutants overcame Valencia, twice Champions League finalists this century and Lyon, semi-finalists in 2010, in the group phase, where they also were the only team to take any points from Zenit St Petersburg, to whom they finished second.

Wolfsburg They claimed an even bigger prize, by going through from what turned out a tight quartet, at the expense of Manchester United, who they beat on Matchday 6, leaving United third behind PSV Eindhoven and last season's Bundesliga runners-up.

Key players

Sven Kums, Gent The Belgian league's player of the year as Gent won the title, he has again been influential in central midfield this term. The captain leads by example and scores goals important goals as well as setting them up.

Julian Draxler, Wolfsburg Signed last summer to compensate for the loss of Kevin de Bruyne, the 22-year-old creative midfielder made an impact in the group phase and, with his poise and creative vision, can open up the best defences.

Points to prove

Gent Belgian football is supposed to be enjoying a golden generation, with its strongest national team, on paper, for perhaps 30 years. But the domestic competition remains a lightweight in European terms. The best Belgian players almost all employed abroad. Gent's Champions League campaign is showing not all the talent is exported.

Andre Schurrle, Wolfsburg The pacey striker has performed only in fits and starts for Wolfsburg, since joining from Chelsea. He needs to remind his national coach, Joachim Loew, he can be as influential as he was for Germany at the 2014 World Cup.

Verdict Wolfsburg to shrug off recent domestic setbacks and sneak through.

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