The second legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 are just around the corner. Nearly every team is still in their tie. The round of 16 has seen fantastic matches, pitting big teams against each other and giving underdogs a chance to shake things up. Many ties finished so close that neither team could get an edge, but which teams have all to play for in the second leg?
Real Madrid v Ajax
This tie is not over by any means. Ajax head to Madrid trailing by a goal, where Los Bloncos have hit a period of poor form lately. Madrid were able to come away from the Johan Cruyff arena with 2-1 victory amid VAR controversy.
As of now, Vinicius Jr. looks to be the most threatening player going forward for Real Madrid, as he gave the Ajax back-line problems in the first leg. Madrid have really taken a dive in the past few weeks and won’t have Sergio Ramos in the second leg due to suspension. As much trouble as Madrid is going through now, I believe they can hold onto a first leg advantage and advance. It won’t be smooth sailing, but they will move on.
B. Dortmund v Tottenham
Not many people predicted Spurs to be in this position after the first leg. 3-0 up heading to Germany against, at the time, the top team in the Bundesliga. The story going into Tuesday’s game is not how well each team is doing but rather how poor they’ve been in the past weeks.
Borussia Dortmund are suffering a free-fall picking up poor result after poor result. They’ll have to pull a miracle out of this one if they stand a chance to move on. A greater score line has been overcome before, but Dortmund’s form suggest they’re about to exit the knockout stages.
PSG v Man. United
PSG have done the dirty work in the first leg after beating United at Old Trafford 2-0. Now, the Red Devils will come to France with key injuries in the attack and midfield. They’ll also be without Paul Pogba due to suspension.
They’ve blown bigger leads before, but Tuchel was able to win the battle on the touch line with Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and it could be the same for the French club. OGS will need to use some of his moments when he was a player to inspire an injured United side.
Image Source : PTI
FC Porto v Roma
Many people overlooked this tie for having the fewest number of storylines. Both teams made it out of easy groups, and both were lucky to have the opportunity to get a place in the quarterfinals. However, both of these teams have experience to send shocks through Europe.
After a 2-1-win, Roma will travel to Portugal with an emphasis on defense, as they currently hold the advantage. Porto have fallen behind Benfica in Liga Nos, while Roma were recently thrashed at the hands of Lazio. Porto will come out looking for goals which, opening them up on the defensive end. Roma may not win the game, but they’ll win the tie on away goals.
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