UEFA CL: 2020/21 R-16

It felt like eons apart between dates announced for the R-16 fixtures and its actual happenings. Amid Covid-19 and many other social distancing protocols we get to enjoy the wonderful scenes from the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The traditional long break but its resumption gives us a grueling list of fixtures and soccer fanatics will not miss this. Rivalries and reconnections built in the hope of further advancement in the competition. 

Barcelona vs Paris Saint Germain

Barcelona is the only side to have overcome a 4-goal margin in a first leg defeat in UEFA Champions league history at the Parc des Princes to the PSG side they face tonight. It makes it more fun with Neymar Jr, a major catalyst in that famous pull around. PSG disappointingly exited the competition by a 6-5 aggregate. Barcelona will seek to wrap it up early at the Camp Nou – a ground they have barely tasted defeat in this competition. Ronald Koeman will attempt to reach the Quarter finals for the fourteenth time and knowing so well, they have had the upper hand in the last decade anytime these two met. 

PSG had a wobble of some sort in the group stages but managed to see off pressure from contenders Manchester United and RB Leipzig – the latter, their fellow breakouts in the group. Mauricio Pochettino has not had it all going for him as his side have struggled in games domestically upon his arrival. 

Some conviction will help fans believe he can take this team to another final after that slender defeat to Bayern Munich last season, but he will have to do this without Neymar and Di Maria as both will not be in contention for tonight’s showdown. Pochettino in his pre-game interview says the European obsession is fueling PSG – they are going to give it a hard try as they believe they can go past Ronald Koeman’s side with Mbappe and Icardi his leading front men in his 3-5-2 formation. Pochettino is gradually settling with this team and could cause an upset at the Camp Nou if he keeps a watertight defense. 

Koeman almost always settles with a preferred 4-3-3 formation. A false nine role for Messi who has been superb in recent outings along with Griezmann and others fused in. Dembele, Pedri and Trincao have been great as substitutes but this mix has failed to deliver when it matters most in big games. Can they keep the record at the Camp Nou?

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool

A great fall for the toughly driven Klopp army makes it unfathomable but the trust from fans and players a beauty to behold. They believe in his ability to perform and he managed to sniff his team out of the group. A long list of absentees for the Merseyside Reds is making it hard for the team stick to its style and approach in games. He has been forced to trying different partnerships in defense owing to his injury hit side. He has done most of the season without major center-back pairing Gomez/Virgil and his top scorer in the CL, Diogo Jota – his backup acquisition last summer.

Jordan Henderson looks to have found a home in defense. A partnership between him and Kabak for tonight is certain as they face RB Leipzig. The fullbacks look withered and have lessened impact in games. The front three have lost their mojo and Salah the only likely goal scoring threat. 

Julian Nagelsmann beat Manchester United in the final group game to make it out with PSG, that is motivation enough to come out here and grab the needed results. RB Lepizig is been unbeaten in 6 games at home in the CL, but the games will be played on neutral ground at the Puskas Arena in Budapest is the first competitive fixture between both sides – Julian has vowed to not treat his compatriot as a well beaten-up boxer. Almost always a notable 3-4-3 approach with major suspects Sabitzer, Angelino and Bayern bound Upamecano but a more dominant midfield line defines this team. 

Liverpool’s good away record to German sides will be tested here and these contrasting results for both teams duels on the quick switches from defense to attack.

Back to our couches tonight with bowls of popcorn. Let’s have fun. 

All games. 20:00 GMT