The UEFA Champions League returns this week with the decisive second legs of the round of 16. Several ties remain finely balanced while others appear almost settled after dominant first leg performances.
Real Madrid hold a commanding advantage over Manchester City, Bayern München are virtually through after their emphatic win against Atalanta, and Paris Saint-Germain arrive at Stamford Bridge with a strong lead. Elsewhere, Barcelona and Newcastle remain level after a tight first meeting while Arsenal look well placed to progress after drawing away to Bayer Leverkusen.
Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt
First Leg: Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Sporting CP
Sporting face a huge challenge after losing heavily in Norway. While the Portuguese side should be far stronger at home, overturning a three goal deficit against an in form Bodø/Glimt side will require an aggressive performance from the first minute.
Bodø/Glimt have been excellent going forward throughout the competition and should still carry threat on the counterattack as Sporting push forward.
Predicted Score: Sporting CP 2-1 Bodø/Glimt
To Qualify: Bodø/Glimt
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score (@1.52)
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
First Leg: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal did the difficult part away from home and now return to the Emirates with the advantage. Mikel Arteta’s side have been extremely strong in Champions League home matches and will expect to control possession and territory here.
Leverkusen are capable opponents but Arsenal’s balance and defensive stability should allow them to finish the job.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
To Qualify: Arsenal
Best Bet: Arsenal To Win To Nil (@1.96)
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
First Leg: Paris Saint-Germain 5-2 Chelsea
Chelsea face one of the toughest tasks of the round after suffering a heavy defeat in Paris. Stamford Bridge can still provide a platform for a response but PSG’s attacking quality means the visitors remain firm favourites to progress.
With Chelsea needing to attack aggressively, the match should open up quickly and create chances at both ends.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain
To Qualify: Paris Saint-Germain
Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals (@2.05)
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
First Leg: Real Madrid 3-0 Manchester City
Manchester City face a huge mountain to climb after the defeat in Madrid. Real Madrid’s experience in knockout football gives them a huge advantage heading into the second leg.
City should still produce a strong attacking display at the Etihad Stadium and the need to chase the game should lead to an open match.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
To Qualify: Real Madrid
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score (@1.57)
Barcelona vs Newcastle United
First Leg: Newcastle United 1-1 Barcelona
This is one of the most balanced ties of the round after the draw in the first leg. Barcelona now return home where they historically perform extremely well in Champions League knockout matches.
Newcastle have impressed during the competition but controlling a decisive European night away from home at Barcelona is a different challenge.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-1 Newcastle United
To Qualify: Barcelona
Best Bet: Barcelona To Win (@1.61)
Bayern München vs Atalanta
First Leg: Atalanta 1-6 Bayern München
Bayern München already hold a commanding advantage after the dominant first leg in Italy. With a five goal aggregate lead, qualification appears almost certain for the German side.
Even with the tie effectively settled Bayern rarely slow down at home and another attacking performance is expected.
Predicted Score: Bayern München 3-1 Atalanta
To Qualify: Bayern München
Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals (@1.80)
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
First Leg: Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Liverpool return to Anfield needing to overturn a narrow deficit. European nights at Anfield have produced famous comebacks before and the Reds will expect to dominate the match.
Galatasaray have struggled historically in away matches against English opposition which gives Liverpool real belief heading into the second leg.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 2-0 Galatasaray
To Qualify: Liverpool
Best Bet: Liverpool To Win To Nil (@2.25)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Atlético Madrid
First Leg: Atlético Madrid 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham face a very difficult task after the heavy defeat in Madrid. Spurs should be stronger at home but Atlético are perfectly suited to protecting a lead in knockout football.
The need for Tottenham to attack should create space and chances for both teams.
Predicted Score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Atlético Madrid
To Qualify: Atlético Madrid
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score (@1.64)
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