2nd LEG: UCL Preview

 

One for Edin Terzic’s records or Pirlo turns doubters to believers.

A now or never picture the most apparent to be painted as Sevilla and Juventus must counter-approach the advances of their opponents to make it to the last 8.

Sevilla tried clawing back late in the game but the power-push early in the first leg saw Dortmund cross the line. It is more daunting on Lopetegui to try find something extra to beat this Dortmund side as the away goal cushions Dortmund a little further into the quarters.

Sevilla have had difficult spells since their drop down against Dortmund. Domestically, they have been edgy and off the boil. Lopetegui has held this fort well and rimming this past Edin Terzic will be a big one for him. Luuk De Jong and Suso got the goals over at the Sanchez Pizjuan for Sevilla. Papu Gomez has not been his imposing best since joining on from Atalanta. Kounde and Diego Carlos are the defensive pair that could halt the progress of Dortmund’s forward line.

Dortmund on the one hand, at the weekend were not strong enough to hold off Bayern Munich despite Haaland’s brace in the early minutes of the game. Edin Terzic does not get to continue as head coach for the next season but going further in the UCL enriches his resume. Haaland got clipped by Jerome Boateng at the weekend and might be in contention for this one as his withdrawal was more of a precaution Terzic said but, Dahoud together with Bellingham have been a revelation lately. Marco Reus and Thorgan Hazard - as Sancho misses out because of a muscle problem, are also live wires Dortmund can rely on to seal their qualification. A good game on our hands and it sure will be enthralling.

Andre Pirlo has not convinced many with his performances and the grapevine of quality sustaining him rather than his expertise is a worry. A 2-1 loss in the first leg was disappointing to watch. Two goals in the first minutes of either half pushed the Portuguese side a little closer. Chiesa halved the deficit, but Juventus needs more arsenal in their armory in the return leg to go through.

The Portuguese outfit was resilient in the approach in the first leg. Technically and tactically drawing Ronaldo out in the game. The midfield battle is key in the game, and the personnel either manager puts up for this encounter will determine who goes through. Despite being boxed out in the first leg, Ronaldo remains a threat for the Bianconeri. Morata and Chiesa can also seal the deal for Pirlo as well. Cuadrado will be back for this one as he missed out in the previous encounter.

Sergio Oliveira is a juggernaut for Sergio Conceicao in the middle of the park. Moussa Marega and Jesus Corona can help inflict further pain on the old ladies. Five out of six times, Juventus have not made it out of the KO’s when losing in the first leg.

Does that become six of seven? Let us wait to find out later tonight.

All games 20:00 GMT