Champions League preview: Who will go through?
This Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th the second-leg of the champions league takes place, and with Chelsea, Bayern and Atletico in need of a comeback, and Liverpool under the tension of a potential upset, the table is set for another magic UEFA Champions League match-day.
Bayern Munich vs Villareal (0-1)
Credits: freepressjournal.com
After scoring early against the german champions and generating enough chances to extend their lead, Villareal’s manager Unai Emery believes that his team can beat Bayern again in the second leg. About the first game he said that: “if the game had been perfect we would have beat them by more, now we have to play another 90 minutes and give it continuity”. Villareal was indeed superior to Bayern in most parts of the game, however, the German side knows how much is at stake in this second leg, and we all know what they are capable of in this competition. During the weekend Bayern beat Augsburg 1-0 and Villareal tied with Athletic Club de Bilbao 1-1.
Prediction: Even though Villareal looked really solid in the first half, I believe Bayern will come from behind and qualify for the semi-finals.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
Credits: managingmadrid.com
After Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the first 90 minutes of this quarterfinal, Thomas Tuchel thinks that his team won’t have a chance against “Los Blancos” if they play the same way. The German coach said: “The first half is a repetition of the second half against Brentford (lost 1-4) in a quarter-final against Real Madrid”. And the Blues indeed need something to change since they have to score at least 2 goals to take the game to extra-time. However, Chelsea managed to beat Southampton 6-0 during the weekend, while Madrid beat Getafe 2-0 at home.
Prediction: I do think Chelsea have a chance to qualify, however, Madrid was just so superior in the first like and I think they will reach the semifinals with ease.
Liverpool vs Benfica
Credits: sportingnews.com
After a more than convincing win by Liverpool, Benfica will head to England in hope of a miracle at Anfield. Jurgen Kloop’s team just seems to be playing better and better, and they will hope to defend their lead at home to make it once again to the UEFA Champions League semifinal. Benfica on the other hand need a comeback, and their ability to score against Liverpool, will depend on the type of night their Uruguayan wonder boy, Darwin Nuñez has. He already scored in the first-leg, and after scoring a hat-trick during the weekend against Belenebses SAD (3-1), he will surely try to make an impact in this upcoming match. During the weekend Liverpool played a really important game for their title contender options against 1st place Manchester City, which ended in a 2-2 tie.
Prediction: Benfica will try to score but Liverpool will handle them and go onto the semi-finals.
Atletico De Madrid vs Manchester City
Credits: Reuters.com
Diego Simeone’s side received harsh criticism after playing really defensive in the first leg and losing 0-1 to the Citizens. However, this is not a comfortable score for Guardiola’s side, as Atletico is known for being a team able to come from behind in the second legs of the elimination rounds of the UEFA Champions League. Now playing home, the “Colchoneros” will need to make a great defensive and offensive game if they want to go through the next round, and Manchester City know it won’t be an easy game but they will head to the Wanda Metropolitano wanting to secure their stop in the 4 best teams in Europe. During the weekend Atletico lost to Mallorca 0-1 and is now 4th in the La Liga table, while Manchester City had a really important and entertaining game against Liverpool which ended in a 2-2 tie.
Prediction: As a loyal Colchonero, I do believe Atletico de Madrid will qualify after a great performance against Manchester City, which will be a whole completely game compared to the first leg.