UCL PREVIEW DAY 3/R-16

Holders, Bayern set to defend title, as Tuchel’s Chelsea faces toughest test yet against Atletico Madrid.

We are back again under the floodlights of European football in two nights of mouthwatering encounters as European football powerhouses will look to make safe their slots in the quarter finals. A somewhat clearer picture will be painted but we brace ourselves for shocks and surprises. 

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea 

Chelsea will be looking to do what Liverpool could not do last year by kicking Atletico Madrid out of the competition. The Blues are unbeaten since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel – former PSG boss. This is his toughest test yet as Chelsea boss. Nights in the UCL for both clubs has been balanced with two wins apiece. Tuchel’s 3-4-3 approach has not given the goals but has brought some defensive solidity to their play. 

Diego Simeone is enjoying the season as Rojiblancos sit on top of the La Liga. Luiz Suarez joined from Barcelona in the summer last year and does not look like slowing down.

Carrasco and Joao Felix can cause an upset. With both teams set up well defensively, the edge will come for the team which will create and take its chances. 

Edouard Mendy has four clean sheets and guess what if Chelsea make it out of the Round of 16, it will be the first time since the 2013/14 season – Shocking.  

Lazio vs Bayern

The Italian side are only here in the KO’s for the first time in 21 years but have a great record playing against German sides. As was seen against Dortmund in the group stages, they can be very tough to crack on a good day. Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto are the obvious threat Bayern Munich must look to neutralize but the hosts, Lazio remain unbeaten at home in five games in the UCL. 

The congested fixture schedules for the world champions have affected the consistency of their results owing to increasing levels of fatigue. Nonetheless, European nights bring a different spark as they are unbeaten in 17 games since that home defeat to Liverpool two years ago. Lewandowski remains a big goal threat with 26 goals domestically and 3 in the UCL this season and has well been aided by Gnabry, Koman and Muller.

Not forgetting the impact of Neuer as Hansi Flick has relied on the brilliance of his captain to win games this season. 

We go again tonight. Let’s enjoy this. 

All Games 20:00 GMT