Torrid times in the wake of Covid-19 leaves football across some countries in Europe suspended. With precautions taken and the passion spread across; the return legs of the UCL Round of 16 continues ...
Injuries have plagued Mourinho's side, and a tough trip to Germany makes it even worse. Steve Bergwijn is the latest player to be on the treatment bench. Tottenham was out of sorts in the 1st leg with no precision in needed areas. Lamela came on and brought some spark to the game but had little time to make the demanded impact. A poor showing over the weekend against Burnley attests Spurs troubles, and Dele Alli is left to lead the Spurs attack. RB Leipzig's big win away from home leaves the team in good standing as it makes it bid for quarter-final progress. Julian Nagelsmann has not had the best of results lately but baring Spurs' troubles he can nick this one.
PSG v BVB will be played behind closed doors amid the wake of the global threat of Covid-19. Mbappe comes into this tie on the back of a hattrick and an excellent team performance before this tie. Tuchel knows to exit at this stage will come with some stick and inefficiency on his part as manager. A 1-2 loss in the first tie and with no fans in the stadium clamp down the progression of Les Parisiens but are known to deliver at home. Dortmund has had a magnificent run this season and is doing great in the CL. A good result gets them through and must prevent the dangerous attack of PSG from scoring. Erling Braut Haaland is also a threat the French side must handle. Lucien Favre has a lot of weapons in his arsenal and can close in on a victory when he gets it all right tomorrow night.
Jurgen Klopp's side looks to be running on tired legs as he makes that gradual approach towards the finish line. A series of hard-fought wins have not been convincing. A shock away at Watford but bounced back over the weekend. Atletico Madrid comes intending to defend, and Klopp must devise strategies to break down the defence. Jordan Henderson and Keita are available for selection. ATM has it all to do and will be with Diego Costa and Joao Felix. Felix got on the score sheet at the weekend and will bring that motivation in this fixture.
An exit will be a blow for Klopp and celebrations for Simeone.
Atalanta got a chunk of Valencia far away in Italy. The three-goal buffer in that 4-1 win is enough to take Gian Piero Gasperini and his side to the Mestalla stadium. The run in the CL has been a nicety for Atalanta and qualification to the next round is more than enough achievement for the target set. Valencia has it all to do, but progression not a possibility with below-par performances in recent games. The expected heights of the Spanish side not reached, thus limiting their chances of qualification. Gameiro, Rodrygo and captain Dani Parejo can get Valencia going, and will need to give it everything tonight. Hateboer stole the show the last time out with great counter-attacking football. Ilicic and Gomez remain the spine of the Italian outfit and would be happy to go another step closer.
