UCL Preview: R-16 Second Leg(16/03/21)

 

Sergio Ramos and Karim The Benz return for Real Madrid at home, and Pep keeps his eye on the silver-plated trophy.

The last phase in the tournament gets to be decided in the next two days and hopes linger for a possible break out into the quarters.

An Atalanta Suprise?

Ferland Mendy’s right foot shot was bang on late in the game to hold this 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg. A great hit from outside the box made light work of Atalanta’s defense on the night. They did great though but failing to get a tight on that ball gave Los blancos a deserved win after many times of knocking on the door. Remo Freuler missed majority of the game after being sent off early on.

Estadio Alfredo di Stefano has served as home ground for all Real Madrid’s games since football’s return after the lockdown and will well host the tie for tonight. Atalanta’s trip is just their second to a Spanish opponent – Valencia the other. It is just a slender defeat and it can be overturned.

“Real Madrid were favorites before [the first leg]; now even more so” – Gasperini but he believes Atalanta is still capable. They have a very good run away from home in the Champions League having won five on the bounce, scoring 14 goals and keeping 4 clean sheets in the process. They have done it against Ajax and Liverpool this season. Gasperini can draw a perfect game plan to see off a not so consistent Real Madrid team. Zapata and Muriel could lead the line tonight in a well-known 3-5-2 set up for the Italian side.

Zidane is not labeling this done and dusted but wants to start from the scratch. He will not be taking complacency from his side. Hazard has not kicked a ball yet this season in the UCL, but the likes of Ramos, Valverde and Benzema make it in time to feature for Zidane. The advances of Rodrygo and Asensio is one Atalanta must be wary of. A good game on our hands, can Atalanta make it through?

The Only Goal

Pep Guardiola heavily rotated his side at the weekend and still managed to put three goals past Fulham. His focus turns to Europe and the depth in the squad marvels many. Cancelo run the game from left back in the first leg – Pep had Silva but needed Jesus to safely get City past the German storm.

Monchengladbach has had nothing going for them recently. They have lost 6 games in a row and it is not a good starter against Pep. Marco Rose after announcing he would be head coach of Dortmund next season has not been on the brighter side of things. Their season is coming apart at the seams after a good start. He is promising to change things and put in a better performance. Hannes Wolf missed a glorious chance in the first leg and Marco Rose would implore his men to be more clinical and be better with the final balls when City play their high line.

Pep says his only target is tonight’s game, but his sight is surely on the UEFA Champions league trophy. He says this current side need to win something to prove they are as good as his previous teams. An indication that he wants that silver-plated trophy. Qualification looks certain but he will field a strong side to give surety to the task. Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne could start today after their spell on the bench at the weekend.

The performances need to get better as the competition is keener. You only get there when you are smarter and better in your approaches. Let us enjoy good football tonight.

All games 20:00 GMT.