The second legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 are in their closing stages. Nearly every team is still in their tie. The round of 16 has played out fantastic matches pitting big teams against one another 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? As we saw in the first four matches, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.
Juventus v Atletico Madrid
Ronaldo and Juventus have a huge hill to climb, not the score, but the team they must do it against. Atletico Madrid have been consistently one of the best defenses teams the past few years. However, they do have a few cracks. They’ve conceded three or more goals on a handful of occasions this year, Dortmund 4-0 in UCL and 3-1 to Real Madrid for example.
It’s a rare occurrence. With Simeone on the touchline, defending will be the priority. It’ll be difficult for Juventus to advance, but if a team could do it it’d be this Juventus side.
Man. City v FC Schalke
Both teams find themselves at the opposite ends of their respective league table, but City only hold a 3-2 advantage after the first leg. The only way for Schalke to go through is to beat City by two or more goals.
This will be difficult, as City have been untouchable at home recently and have many players in form. Though City have had to deal with injuries this year, many pick them as favorites to lift the trophy in Madrid.
Barcelona v Lyon
A stale 0-0 draw returns to Camp Nou with all to play for. Lyon impressed in their young players carving out chances to test Marc Andre Ter-Stegen. However, Barcelona enjoyed most of the possession and couldn’t trouble Anthony Lopes in goal.
Both teams will be different compared to the first leg. Nabil Fekir returns from suspension for card accumulation, and for Barcelona, Dembele won’t be 100%, and Suarez has since found some form. However, Messi is the leading scorer in Europe and will only improve upon that against Lyon.
Bayern Munich v Liverpool
A reborn Bayern against a slouching Liverpool will be set for an entertaining match. Liverpool have faltered in England, allowing Manchester City to catch them in the title race. Bayern have done the opposite and have caught B. Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
These trends mean nothing when it comes to UCL. Liverpool get Virgil Van Dijk back, while Bayern have the loss of Joshua Kimmich. The Liverpool defense has been their saving grace, but Bayern have momentum and more experience at many positions. It’s to close to call, so sit back and enjoy the contest.
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