Champions League is coming back on Tuesday with more Round of 16 first leg fixtures, while Europa League teams are kicking-off the second leg of their Round of 32 ties. Get yourself ready with our previews!
Tuesday – Liverpool vs Real Madrid
After dispatching Everton in a 2-0 win after a questionable run of form, the Reds built on the momentum with an impressive 2-0 victory over a Top 4 chasing Newcastle side and although they are still 7 points from the Top 4, it seems as if they are on the right path. Looking back at their group-stage run, the Reds ended 2nd, with equal points to Napoli in first & a 5-game winning streak. Although they have been on a winning streak, they are up against a serious contender on Tuesday.
Real Madrid is currently trying to close down the 8-point gap Barcelona accumulated on them in the league. After becoming the Club World Cup Champions yet again, the Madridstas won 2 consecutive La Liga games, scoring 6 goals & conceding 0. It seems like the confidence is strong within the squad after having a taste of silverware. their attacking power is likely to be a problem for a recovering Liverpool side. Looking at their H2H, Real Madrid won 4 of their last 5 encounters, giving us enough reason to expect Real Madrid to win, but both teams to score.
Wednesday – RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
Leipzig go into the game on the back of a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg as they return to winning ways after a 2-game winless streak. The Bulls are in a water-tight title race with 5 other teams & are currently sitting just 4 points from the summit. This is a side that should never be ruled out early as they possess a serious attacking threat, having scored at least 2 goals in all of their last 4 competitive victories, however, they are certainly in for a challenge in front on the home crowd.
The favourites go into this game on a bit of a shaky run – having won just 2 of their last 4 Premier League games, with a recent 1-1 draw against a bottom-half Nottingham side. Nevertheless, we know the Citizens love their UCL night after topping Group G with 14 points and no losses & it is hard to see Pep`s failing here. Looking at the H2H, these sides have delivered 2 high-scoring games back in 2021, with Man City winning the match-up with a 7-5 aggregate score. We expect Manchester City to win & over 2.5 goals in the game.
Thursday – Manchester United vs Barcelona
All eyes will be set on Old Trafford on Thursday night after the Red Devils gave Barcelona a serious shock last Thursday. In their first-leg that ended in a 2-2 draw, United gave Barcelona no room for celebrations after their first goal, going on to score the equalizer & taking the lead. Unfortunately for them, Barca found their way in yet again for the 2nd goal & Man United went on to take their anger out on Leicester City in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory.
The high-flying Barca went on to do what they do best after the draw – win 2-0 against Cadiz as they continue their comfortable stay at the La Liga summit. We can all agree that both sides put on a great performance on Thursday night and we are certainly in for another blockbuster night this week. However, considering United` blistering form & the confidence that`s been built at Old Trafford, it is hard to see them losing on home soil, so we expect Manchester United to win & over 2.5 goals.
We wish you a great week ahead!