UCL PREVIEW R-16: Day 4

Gladbach to unsettle Pep; Atalanta to unravel injury hit Madrid side. 

A preview of the last round of games in the first leg of the Round of 16. 

Atalanta vs Real Madrid

With Atalanta yet to win a game at home this season in UCL, they render themselves to the slaughter against Real Madrid who can only present an injury hit side. Zidane in his presser said he ‘has the maximum respect’ for the Italian side who made it to the R-16 for the second time in their first two years. Atalanta are a great attacking side and always seem to cause problems for the big guns. 

Real Madrid is well short but do have the muscle to get the nod in this fixture as they look the better side on paper. Los Blancos are veterans and they make it to the KO’s for the 24th consecutive time – the most by any club. Benzema is a doubt for this fixture but Vinicius and Asensio can lead the line for Zidane as they step of the dugout in Bergamo to take on La Dea. 

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City

I for one won't pity the commentators when both clubs face off at the Puskas Arena - apologies for bitten lips. Gladbach has never picked up a win against Manchester City, and have difficulties winning on home soil. With much gratitude, they will be happier it is on neutral grounds. The only positive is that they have scored in games they have played at home despite winning just two of nine. Great attacking potential in Lars Stindl, Alassane Plea, Embolo and Marcus Thuram – a doubt for this fixture. 

Gladbach coach, Marco Rose: “if there is something City doesn’t like then its not having the ball …” He will be looking to unsettle Pep’s side. Pep having played most games this season without a striker yet grabbed results which is pleasing to the eye. Swift movement of the ball from side to side just to force changes to the defensive shapes of his opponents is a thing of beauty. He may feel it’s his chance this year with City and to have De Bruyne back is a plus for him. Foden and Bernardo Silva have slotted in seamlessly for the Sky blues.  

No fans allowed into stadiums yet but happier the moments will be as we will follow from the comforts of our couches. 

All games 20:00 GMT.

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

Day 2: UCL Preview R-16 2020/21

A more natural neutral for Klopp and Mbappe stealing the so-called Messi show. Later to night Dortmund visit Sevilla and can Porto surprise Pirlo’s Juventus?

The opening night brought nothing short of excitement as neutral ground became all natural for the Reds when two costly Leipzig mishaps gave Liverpool a two-goal buffer in the first leg; Messi’s Barca in tatters but an emphatic Mbappe display and his seventh career hat-trick came at the home of the Catalans. Andriy Shevchenko the last player to score a hat-trick at the Camp Nou in 1997 – this reads badly for Ronald Koeman. 

Sevilla vs Dortmund

Dortmund lock horns with Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The home side has been superb domestically with nine straight wins and seven clean sheets to add to that record. This bodes well for Lopetegui’s well-disciplined defense. He highlighted in his presser the many chances Dortmund create and will have devised the perfect strategy to halt this progress. 

He also will be aware of the forward threat in Haaland, Sancho and Reus and must clip their wings before they run riot over his side. He can also boast of great forward potential in Papu Gomez, Suso and Moroccan international, En Nesyri. 

Dortmund on one hand, has had contrasting results and their form domestically has been poor. The lack of consistency in results is a real bother for the German outfit and is so expected of a particularly young side. Roman Burki will not be between the sticks for them but old head, Matt Hummels can marshal this team to victory tonight if the right things are done. 

Porto vs Juventus

A defeat to Napoli became their third loss since December but their impermeable defense has considered just two goals in eight games in all competitions. This will be key for them going into this fixture. Ronaldo loves scoring against Porto and the Bianconeri will be depending on him to get them through. Porto is the only team in the CL this season yet to concede a goal at home and have kept five clean sheets in their last five games at home as well. 

Pirlo will want to keep the good record against the Portuguese side as they have never lost to Porto in five previous encounters. It would be very much unwise to underrate the champions of the Primeira Liga as they do have a strong team. The core of this team has come from having to keep most of its important players. Ronaldo’s old teammate, Pepe, Jesus Corona and Moussa Marega must be at their utmost best to be able to clinch something for their side. 

Ronaldo has been magnificent and Morata, Chiesa, and US international, McKinnie have been supportive, and Pirlo can turn on them to deliver. Dybala, Cuadrado and Ramsey will be major absentees for the old ladies. 

All Games 20:00 GMT

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 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: Talking points as Paris Saint Germain face off with Bayern Munich.

Surely the end of the road but not in its entirety; Either Paris Saint Germain or Bayern Munich must have their name inscribed on the desiderate Champions League trophy. A record sixth time it will be for the former if they win it, ergo, to the disdain of the French outfit. 

PSG can pull of a surprise and register a first ever Champions League trophy with their only ever shot at it in the final. 

The final must happen and gotten out of the way so we call the 2019/2020 European season firmly done and dusted.

UCL Semi Final: Les Parisiens lock horns with the Red Bulls as Mia San Mia pierces loudest ahead of Lyon clash.

All too soon, we await the final two slots as both will compete for the coveted UCL trophy come Sunday night.

Shocking scenes and absolute stupefaction when Lyon and RB Leipzig booked semi final spots ahead of Manchester City and Atletico respectively. Bayern eased into it with that 8-2 mauling to Barcelona and PSG left it late in that Atalanta clash to make it this far since their last semi-final in 1995. 

A round table discussion as we get topical on the UCL semifinals with Bill Eshun (@Bill_Eshun) and Samuel Ayesu Lartey (@samuelkudjoe1) 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Quarter Final

Can Bayern Munich remain unstoppable; Gold or nothing for City's Pep.

Atalanta enjoyed the ecstacy of a glorious 90 minutes with a goal from Pasalic 28 minutes into their very first UCL quarterfinal until they were robbed off it in the dying embers as PSG clawed back to grab a 2-1 win. 

Atletico Madrid's UCL trophy hunt waits a little longer with not much to salvage from as a brave RB Leipzig side booked a semi-final showdown against PSG. 

Preview...

Bayern Munich vs Barcelona is a tie many predicted to happen later in the competition than sooner. A good first half display against Napoli in the first half helped the Catalans book this showdown against the Bavarians. Bayern has been ruthless and dominant in this season's campaign. Hansi Flick does no harm to his reputation coming into this tie. He filled in as  temporary gaffer but his efforts sure did exceed expectations hence his role now as manager. His excellent reading of the game is also an added advantage. Lewandowski's 13 goals does not make finding the net a demur but an undervalued aspect of his game is his ability to feed his teammates to also get on the score sheet. A tight understanding in midfield makes for an impressive showing as their efforts are well corrborated by the wingers. Alphonso Davies can help counter the threat of Lionel Messi on the left flank. Though Herculean, his speed and reading of the game will be a great asset in this match up. 

Gnabry and Perisic were impactful moving forward against Chelsea nevertheless Coman's recovery will force him back into the fold. Kimmich could fill in again for Pavard thereby leaving Goretzka and Thiago as the double pivot in midfield. Overcoming Bayern is not catch-22, Messi and Suarez may play upfront as Dembele and Griezmann could help make the 4-4-2 approach one to help get the win for Quique Setien. 

The blue and white soldiers in Guardiola's army play for a semi final spot when they come up against Lyon on Saturday evening. He is looking to prove doubters wrong as his ride with City hasn't been a success in the UCL. He goes into the tie with a comfortable win in both legs against Zidane's Real Madrid. Kevin DeBruyne is the lynchpin in the middle of the park for the sky blues. He sets the tone for the likes of Jesus, Sterling and Mahrez to latch on to the final balls. Lyon however being wary of City's threat, must keep it compact at the back to prevent a drubbing. Houssem Aouar, Toko Ekambi and captain Depay must be sharper upfront to guarantee qualification for the French side. Moussa Dembele could get the nod in this tie as he started on the bench against Juventus. It will count for nothing, if Guardiola cannot whelm his opposition at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and may well be considered a failure if he cannot win this competition with City as he said jokingly in one of his interviews.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: QUARTER FINALS

PSG go full tilt or Atalanta's overrun continues; Time for the Rojiblancos? 

A new model structure bearing circumstances of Covid-19 changes the shape of the champions league this year. A one-off fixture for every other stage all the way to the final showdown in Lisbon. 

Not many gave them a chance but an impressive showing and sure understanding of Gian Piero Gasperini's system has brought them this far in the tournament. They tore Valencia to shreds to make it to the quarters with their sweet attacking football. Illicic, Papu Gomez and Luis Muriel a fine trio to this success. They face a PSG side with pangs they so have not healed from. With every trophy in France swept away but the UCL trophy is one unaccounted for. Tomas Tuchel relies on Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria and they have delivered the goodies. 

Many believe this year is assuredly theirs and a blip will efface a timezone for their UCL trophy success. Tuchel has always relied on a 4-3-3 system but is likely to switch things with the suspensions of Di Maria and Verrrati. Mbappe could sit this one out with his injury despite rumors of him beating it. Pablo Sarabia and Mauro Icardi are able deputies who can help get the win for the Nike-sponsored side. 

Atalanta has been touted as the fall guy but the 3-4-1-2 system is one aesthetically amazing to watch. They overload the middle of the park with midfielders and tear teams apart with their quick wingbacks. Ilicic is a out of the squad for personal reasons, bar him Atalanta can go full tilt to grab a win to make it to the semis. Gosens and Malinovskyi another pair you can keep your eyes on at the Estadio de Luz. 

 

The slayers of the current holders face off  with RB Leipzig. Atletico Madrid having progressed every time they faced a German opposition will love this encounter however three clean sheets for Julian Nagelsmann's side in his last five points out Leipzig will be a tough nut to crack. With no goalless draw in as many games, reminds us of their attacking prowess. They have lost a major carrier of that thrust in Timo Werner with his sealed move to Chelsea. Patrick Schick and Yussuf Poulsen could start up front in their 3-5-2 approach. Marcel Sabitzer is a doubt but Halstenberg could return after his injury. 

Diego Simeone nonetheless has a full squad he can present on the day with Sime Vrsaljko the only uncertainty. The Rojiblancos have been modeled as one with a sturdy backline. Joao Felix, Morata, Angel Correa and Carrasco are quick upfront and can catch the Germans on the break. Without Timo breaking down this burly defense, it will be hard for RB Leipzig but they do have an outside chance of edging this tie tomorrow night. 

 

There is a breath of fresh air for ATM as nemesis and bane, Real Madrid is out of the competition. 

The Dead Wait: UCL

Gattuso to keep Barcelona out; Bayern to finish it all off at the Allianz Arena? Lyon grinding it out and City cement their place in the quarters. 

Ronaldo's two goals was not enough for the Italian giants as Depay converted from the spot earlier to help Lyon crawl into the quarter finals. The champions league trophy still a missing piece in the trophy cabinet for Juventus. 

Manchester City repeated the scoreline from the first leg to comfortably put Pep's team in the last eight. Zidane just didn't have enough to snatch this one from the English side. 

Preview

Barcelona vs Napoli, Camp Nou.

Napoli travels to Spain to clinch a spot in the Last 8 but Barcelona stand in the way. The first leg ended one apiece in Italy. Barcelona struggled in that one but managed to get the all important away goal. Gattuso can keep Barca out but the lack of scoring in his team makes this tie all the more difficult. Camp Nou has been a comfortable ground for the host until Osasuna. The only trophy Barcelona can vie for is the UCL and a slip up would force fans to call for the manager's head. Messi well remains a threat Gattuso must neutralize. Napoli ought to take their chances as Barcelona have been poor in recent times. An early goal for the visitors will calm nerves. Mertens, Insigne and Callejon have the desired pace and speed to help the Gli Azzuri.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea, Allianz Arena.

A good showing away at the Stamford Bridge in March sets the tone for this encounter as Chelsea were taken to the cleaners in the first leg. Bayern come into this tie on the back of their 8th consecutive Bundesliga title. A sure force in Germany but must be well aware of the surprise Chelsea can pull if they take their foot off the gas. With limited squad at Lampard's disposal, he faces a daunting task of overcoming that 3-0 advantage Bayern have. A major boost is N'golo Kante traveled with the team to Germany  but will be without Azpi and Pulisic after both limped off in their FA cup final defeat to Arsenal. Willian  didn't travel with the squad too. 

Bayern has rested enough and have Thiago back as well. Koman and Pavard will be out. Coutinho and Kimmich can fill in to help Hansi Flick's men finish it off at the Allianz Arena.

Back again Wednesday.

The Long Wait: UCL Preview 2nd leg

Surety wasn't a perk when Covid - 19 broke onto the scene. Things were brought to a stand still as most were left to find more room in the four corners of their homes than they normally would prefer. 

Football was also away but only for a short while. The UCL didn't take it's concurrent effects as it's normally happened in recent seasons with the various domestic leagues in Europe. The hiatus brought about changes requiring adjustments and that we can say the various leagues adjusted to quite well. Approximately 160 days between both legs is what the change has given us but we move on from it though.

After the long wait these teams get to book their places in the quarterfinal and just as you know we will give you a preview of the final 4 games before the quarterfinal showdown in Lisbon. 

Juventus v Lyon, Allianz Stadium.

Lyon heads into the second leg with a 1-0 buffer as they prepare to face Juventus in Turin, Italy. Juventus comes into this tie after securing the ninth Serie A title in a row. They have proved their dominance in Italy but that UCL trophy has eluded them and with Ronaldo they will want to change that narrative. Lyon failed to make it into the CL places this season as the ligue 1 was cancelled. There is a good chance to make it back in the UCL next season if they make it all the way to the final. The one goal advantage gives them the upper hand but if Mauricio Sarri's side remain resilient and has Ronaldo and Dybala firing on all cylinders they can ease past the French side. Not forgetting the threat Lyon possesses as they have Depay back now with a more vibrant side - Tousart, Toko Ekambi and Houssem Aouar, ones to look out for. 

Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Etihad.

Manchester City came back to the Etihad with that 2-1 advantage against the recent La Liga champions, Real Madrid. The Los Blancos were stunned in the final minutes at home as Pep Guardiola's side took the needed motivation before heading into this second leg. Gracefully perched back into the UCL despite their initial two-year ban allowing Pep the chance to win an European trophy with Manchester City. The league cup in England the only accolade he has in his trophy cabinet this season. Kevin De Bruyne in some fine form this season and the bigger piece to Pep's jigsaw. The UCL will be a better end to the season if he is able to overcome the threat from Real Madrid. Zidane is no freshman to the UCL. His three-peat record still lingers and approaching this would be a sweet one to see with no pressure on his shoulders. Lots of threat for Pep to neutralize, and Benzema one he won't take his eyes off. Hazard is back from his injury but Bale and James Rodriguez not in the squad with Ramos' suspension making him unavailable.

We are well aware and will be ready by 19:00 GMT when the UCL second legs kick off. 

Enjoy and see you on the happy side this evening. Back again tomorrow. 

UCL Ro16: 2nd Leg Part A

Mourinho visits Leipzig; PSG,BVB - 2nd leg in Paris as ATM make it to Anfield and hope for Valencia?

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.