ROAD TO ISTANBUL '21: UCL SEMI FINAL (28/04)

Renewed Hostilities as the Oil derby flares up!

The Arabian owned clubs face off in what is a money-gested clash. The quality both teams posses is mouthwatering and it will all come down to who gets it tactically right. 

Kobysportsupdate.blogspot.com previews this evening's game. Follow on: 

Pep Guardiola finally makes it to the semifinals with Manchester City. It has been long coming, and I am sure Pep can feel, this is the one for him. He is allowed that but Paris SG stand in his way. Last year's finalist may be staking a claim to the title this year after they overcame Bayern Munich, the holders. 

Kylian Mbappe got a knock in the last game but has been declared fit for the tie, he and Neymar Jr can be a thorn in the flesh of the City defense. Pochettino has not added much but has just resorted to a more pragmatic approach. The counterattack is that deadly and Pep would not want those two running at his defenders.

The Cityzens have had an impressive defensive record. The arrival of Ruben Dias brought some stability in defense. Gundogän seems to have had his season sorted. His attacking numbers have dwindled. Phil Foden has been the cavalier of Pep's attack. Two goals against Dortmund eased City's way into the semis. 

Kevin De Bruyne has not slowed down too. Pep has set up his team where he wants his fullbacks to normally drop into the midfield to provide more options in the box for his attack. Cancelo and Kyle Walker have been the choice effects for this formula. 

A traditional 4-3-3 is Pep's formation, most of it this season has been without a striker. The false nine system with most of his midfielders overloading the attacking third of opponents. 

Pochettino has met Pep many times than he has any other manager in his career. The glittering feature would be eliminating his adversary en route to the 2019 final. 

Renewed hostilities as the Espanyol/Barcelona rivalry of Catalonia could resurface but in different circumstances. The Oil derby as many put it would be an enthralling one. 

Poch has used the 4-4-2 formation so the wide midfielders can come back on defense. Di Maria only joins the attack when the ball is further up the pitch. Some injured players are back in the fray and could get a sniff at this. 

PSG was here last season and can be hoping to be only the sixth club to make it to the final after being there a year prior. 

A good game on our hands, let's sit back and enjoy. 

ROAD TO ISTANBUL 21: UCL SEMIFINAL(27/04)

Tuchel’s chance; Chelsea eyes CL trophy since 2012 or Real Madrid walks through unscathed? 

A preview of the game tonight in the UEFA champions league semifinals. Read on for updates from kobysportupdate.blogspot.com as we fill you in.

Chelsea stealthily made its way to the semis and this feat comes from the very good work Thomas Tuchel has put in. Notwithstanding, we will not undermine Lampard's run in the group stages without a defeat. There is a good presence in the camp of Chelsea, and it is all to their advantage, if they use it to proper effect in their clash against Real Madrid. 

Their Spanish opponents have had two very drab stalemates domestically but Tuchel will be very much aware that his opposition number does not need good results to show up in this competition. That regardless, they have faced Chelsea three times and have come out without a win on all three occasions in all competitions. 

Tactically, Zidane deployed a low block and hit Liverpool on the counter at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano, and it worked perfectly. Vinicius terrorized Liverpool’s back line. Carvajal makes it back in time to play at right back but eyebrows will be raised about his level of fitness for this game. Nacho or Ferde Valverde can have another run at left back in Mendy’s absence. This is the fourteenth semifinal for Real Madrid and Chelsea’s eighth.

Chelsea is not that expansive with the ball but is very tight at the back. They dwell on their wing play to hurt teams. Reece James and Ben Chilwell look the sure starters because of the defensive ability they both possess. The defense has managed to keep 18 clean sheets in the last 25 games. Just as many as Manchester City has kept in Tuchel's time frame. 

Real Madrid has the personnel to unlock that back line, Benzema and Vinicius can do that to perfect effect. Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Modric are the combative force in the middle for the Galacticos. Thomas Tuchel must romp up his men to stifle the progress of this brilliant trio. The midfield Tuchel selects must be one to cut Real Madrid's passing lanes and to provide quick passes to release Chelsea's front line. A 3-4-2-1 looks like the go-to formation. Kante and Jorginho may sit in front of the defense to provide cover with Kovacic being unavailable. 

The task for Tuchel would be who starts up front. Kai or Giroud, lots would prefer the latter, but he seems to have fallen out of favor with Tuchel. He has preferred the former to lead the line with Timo and Mount playing of him. Timo broke his goal scoring drought at the weekend against West Ham and that should be a confidence booster going into tonight’s encounter. 

Chelsea is gradually getting there and could be repeating the happenings of their 2012 campaign. 

UCL QUARTER FINAL Preview:2nd Leg(14-04)

Dortmund host Pep's Manchester City and do the troubles at Anfield continue?

PSG and Chelsea both qualified on away goals despite their 1-0 losses last night to Bayern Munich and FC Porto respectively. 

Two more spots to be clinched in the semis, Who goes through? Follow on for updates on tonight's happenings;

Borussia Dortmund vs Manchester City

A very controversial game at the Etihad. Dortmund should be disappointed to have returned to Germany with just one away goal instead of two. Jude Bellingham had a very good goal chopped off for reasons beyond VAR and the sights of the referee. They get another go at it tonight when they host the Citizens at the Westfalenstadion. Mahmoud Dahoud and Jude Bellingham were immense in that midfield for the yellow and black in the previous encounter. 

Dortmund fought harder at the weekend to win at Stuttgart while Manchester City fell at the hands of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United. Dortmund’s only previous home meeting with Manchester City came in 1-0 victory in 2012. 

Pep Guardiola realizes his team was not up for it in the first leg and at the weekend as well. A case of rotation came to play but the quality in the squad should have dealt with their opponents at the weekend. It did not happen, and focus should be turned to tonight’s game. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden were the bright spots in the first leg but Pep would require a more collective effort to get through to the semis. 

Erling Braut Haaland remains a threat and strategies must be drawn to reduce his efficiency in the final third to set up that semi final showdown with Paris SG. 

Liverpool vs Real Madrid

The Reds have it all to do at Anfield when their Spanish opponents come to Merseyside. Jurgen Klopp may have over thought the situation in Madrid. He got it tactically wrong in the middle of the park and had no cover for Trent anytime he bumped forward. 

Naby Keita started in midfield last time out to provide more energy in the middle of the park for Liverpool but the quality in Zidane's midfield trio of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro was more dominant. 

Despite not having his first choice centre back pairing, Zidane was spot on with his team selection and must be looking to keep it tighter at the back to make it to the semis with Eder Militao and Nacho in the heart of defense. 

Anfield has not been very good to Liverpool in 2021 and Los Blancos will have no shivers down their spine knowing very well the problems there on Merseyside. 

Liverpool clinched their first victory in seven games at Anfield in 2021 at the weekend via a thunderbolt from the right foot of Trent. 

They would have hope in their hearts that qualification is a possibility. If they manage to prevent Real Madrid from scoring, they would surely believe they can make it. 

The winner of this encounter faces Chelsea in the semis, Can Liverpool make it an all English affair?

See you in the semis. 

All Games at 19:00 GMT

UCL QUARTER FINAL Preview: 13-04-2021

A little late for Porto?; Mbappe In that goal king chase.

The second legs kick off tonight, kobysportupdate gives you a preview of happenings tonight in the UCL. Follow on;

Paris SG vs Bayern Munich

The French outfit got the better of the German side in last week’s encounter, Bayern fought harder and made it level but Kylian Mbappe’s brace and Neymar’s attacking verve helped Paris SG beat Bayern by the odd number in a five-goal thriller. Bayern will still be without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put in the shift and his services can be relied upon again to stake their claim in the semis and Serge Gnabry is still out with an illness. 

Mauricio Pochettino was pragmatic in the first leg and will by no means vary his tactics in this one. The three away goals make them comfortable to seal qualification if they can prevent Bayern from scoring. Marquinhos limped off with an adductor problem but Danilo could move into defense to partner Kimpembe like he did in the latter stages in the first leg.

Joshua Kimmich was magnificent but his team could not convert most of the chances created. If Bayern can make the 31 shots at attempt at goal from the first leg count tonight, they could break the jinx of not making it past an opponent after losing a first leg tie since 2014-15 against FC Porto. 

Chelsea vs FC Porto

Chelsea will be looking to progress for the ninth time in the UEFA Champions league KO stages when winning the tie in the first leg. Chelsea is unbeaten in the competition this year and will be looking to stamp their authority from the onset. Mason Mount's 180 degrees in step turn got the English side the early advantage and Ben Chilwell later rounded Marchesin to double the advantage.

Thomas Tuchel has opted for a false nine approach in the last 3 games with Kai leading the line and will most likely go for the same in tonight’s encounter.  

Porto is without a victory in the last seven games against English sides after their famous 5-0 thrashing handed out to Leicester in 2016. Sergio Oliveira and Mehdi Taremi could make it back into the starting line up after serving out their suspension. 15 goals this term for Sergio Oliveira who joined from Rio Ave last summer. Porto lacked his precision and directness last week and would be hoping to count on that against Chelsea. 

Chelsea has not lost a game in Spain this term and the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan will be a more welcoming home ground. 

All games 19:00 GMT. 

UCL Quarter Final: 7/04/21

Conceição - nothing is impossible and revenge for  PSG this time?

There was no dilly-dallying in yesterday's encounters. Real Madrid got off to a perfect start to stun Liverpool and Phil Foden on the 90th minute mark gave City a 2-1 advantage in what was a controversial game at the city of Manchester Stadium. 

Welcome again to Day 2 of the first leg in the last 8. This page will preview tonight's games:

Bayern vs Paris SG

Only the second meeting between the two sides in the knockout stages after last season's final. Bayern urged that but revenge cannot hold on any later as PSG make the trip to the Alianz arena tonight. 

Bayern and PSG sit at number 1 and 2 respectively with the best goal averages in the competition since 2016/17. 

Bayern still remain unbeaten thus far. Manuel Neuer made some important saves the last time the two met and will call on him when Mbappe, Neymar and Di Maria get into the groove. Marco Verrati misses out but the defense of PSG has been impressive. A loss at the weekend to Lille in the top of the table clash leaves a lot to be desired. 

Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandoski will also be absent for the Bavarians. Choupo-Moting will lead the line for the hosts. Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman can trouble PSG's backline with their speed. 

With away goals in play, a sturdy defense is what Hansi Flick must keep to nullify the attack of PSG.

Porto vs Chelsea

It's in awkward bewilderment when underdogs steal the show and certainly the way Porto has gone about its acts. They knocked Juventus out and will be hoping to replicate the same against Chelsea. 

The blip at the weekend to West Brom will only remain that when Thomas Tuchel romps his team for this encounter. He has preached humility after the events of the weekend and in that he will know how to set up against Porto. 

The 3-5-2 formation is apparent and Giroud and Werner will lead the line for the Blues. 

Sergio Conceição admits the task is herculean but indicates nothing is impossible (such confidence if you knock Ronaldo out) despite having Sergio Oliviera and Mehdi Taremi suspended. Jesus Corona, Luis Diaz and Moussa Marega will be the obvious threat up front. 

Chelsea will be more alert with the weekend's actions and that makes an assured headpiece for this tie.

Let's enjoy the games tonight.

All Games 19:00 GMT.

UCL Quarter Final: 6/04/21

No Ramos - Salah can now breathe and can Haaland extend his goal tally?

The Quarter finals starts tonight with a good preview of the games happening tonight;

Manchester City vs Dortmund

Pep Guardiola will be looking to get things right when he faces Borussia Dortmund in Manchester. His team has been knocked out of the CL at this stage in the last three seasons. No need for extra motivation and this tie against Dortmund looks very much the better step to make it into the semis. 

Despite the abysmal form of the German side, the Champions League has been a great level of surprise. They are only here at the expense of Sevilla and that blessing of Haaland's goal scoring talent has kept them moving. 

Pep has done it all domestically but only the CL trophy at City evades him. A great run of games for  Manchester City gives Pep the upper hand over Edin Tirzic's Dortmund. 

Haaland has been in the highlights and the absence of Sancho makes the task harder but Jude Bellingham and Mahmoud Dahoud have been imperious in the middle of park. Pep has Gundogän and De Bruyne who can pull all the necessary strings in there. Pep has tactically deployed fullbacks mostly in the middle so midfielders can push further forward and a possible false nine system to give the needed reward. 

A great game on our hands, does Haaland add more to his goal tally or does the collective efforts of Manchester City urge this?

Real Madrid vs Liverpool

Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano hosts the two sides in the first leg. Both teams have gradually got their season running with some very good results. 

The CL this season has presented a great front to Liverpool with only one loss this season at home to Atalanta. They brushed off RB Leipzig to make it here. The midfield looks more balanced with Fabinho now back as the holding midfielder. Kabak and Phillips have had a great partnership in defense as well. 

Zidane says his team will want to focus on this particular one which is going to be played over 180 minutes. This will have to be done without captain, Sergio Ramos and Benzema will need to carry the team on his shoulders in this tie.

Targeting the rookie centre backs of Liverpool will be the main plan and if done to perfection, it gives the needed advantage heading into the second leg. Experience will count for Real Madrid and the Reds will be wary of this. 

Diogo Jota is the surprise element for Klopp and his positioning and goal scoring is that bonus Liverpool can dwell on. 

More room for Salah to breathe in Ramos's absence. 

All Games 19:00 GMT

UCL: Quarter Final draw

Liverpool pair Real Madrid; Bayern Munich to locks horns with Paris SG yet again... 

The House of European football in Nyon, Switzerland hosted the UCL 2020/21 Quarterfinal draw on March 19 with the R-16 ties coming to an end this week.

There is going to be a replay of last year's final showdown early in the Quarters. Bayern conquered but Les Parisiens get another chance to redeem themselves. 

Liverpool face 13-time champions, Real Madrid in what could also be a repeat of the final in 2018. Klopp will look to write all the wrongs in those books when Los Blancos come around. 

Manchester City come up against Dortmund while Chelsea and Porto face off in a grueling encounter.

The first week in April (6 & 7) gets marked on our calendars for these nightcap ties.

The Quarter Final draw as below:

• Bayern Munich vs Paris SG
• Manchester vs Dortmund
• Real Madrid vs Liverpool
• FC Porto vs Chelsea

Semi Final

The path spells out a road for the semi-finals when Bayern Munich/PSG could meet Pep's Manchester City/Dortmund.

The same for the other path will see either Real Madrid/Liverpool or Porto/Chelsea square off.

Final

The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey will host the UCL 2020/21 final on a possible May 29 date. 

Did you get your dream pair and path?

The last bite: 2nd Leg-R-16(17/03/21)

Who goes through? A clean sheet, and the job is done for Chelsea; Momentum Building for Bayern Munich. 

The round of 16 concludes this night. The London Blues gets perked up in Europe when they host the Rojiblancos; and a golden opportunity for Bayern as Lazio could neither fathom nor catch Bayern’s cruise. 

Hold the door!

A backward clearance provided a moment of magic when Giroud hit a beautiful overhead kick in the previous encounter to bring to bear the disparity coming on to the second leg. Atletico cannot seem to get a hold on their season. The grip on the La Liga is not lost yet but a series of contrasting results will get Barcelona and Real Madrid bucked up. 

Diego Simeone says he comes to the Stamford Bridge with one aim and that is to win. A win is the expectation; any other result and things turn sour for the Rojiblancos. Suarez has not scored an away goal in the UCL since 2015. Coming to win at the Stamford Bridge will require going all out and not playing the all-defensive approach we are used to seeing. They did good but failing to create many chances gave the edge to Chelsea who took the half chance that came.

Thomas Lemar and Joao Felix were their only threat at taking something from that game, but Carrasco and Marcos Llorente can provide the needed impetus to help Luis Suarez upfront in this tie as Lemar is a doubt for tonight. 

Chelsea edge this narrowly and no Ls for Thomas Tuchel yet. The defense has stood out on many fronts and the start to life in West London has been impressive. Mount and Jorginho will be absent for this but Kovacic and Kante can be relied on to hold the door. Repeating the same performance in Bucharest will enable the Blues go through. Giroud gets the nod up top and will be supported by Werner and Kai Havertz. A clean sheet, and the job is done for Chelsea. 

Herculean but enjoy it. 

With the 4-1 aggregate score, Bayern is already laying cones to prepare for their quarter final encounter. Hansi Flick made certain their qualification after Lewandowski, Leroy Sane and teenage sensation, Jamal Musiala banged in the goals in the first half. An own goal from Acerbi was only cancelled out by Joaquin Correa who could only give a snippet of hope to Lazio. 

Hansi Flick is looking to build his team’s confidence by putting the icing on the cake – a win seals that deal. Leroy Sane dazzled with speed and skill to help Bayern in the first leg. 

Simone Inzaghi states that, their aim was to reach the KOs – that was successful after not being in the CL for twenty years. He may have thrown in the towel after happenings in the previous encounter but will like his charges to enjoy the game tonight. 

Italian sides have lost their last four visits to Bayern and since Hansi Flick took over he has won all his six home matches played in the Champions league. This task is herculean for Lazio, but they can only come and enjoy it. 

It all comes to an end tonight. 

Leave your possible matchups in the comments section and let us get interactive. See y’all in the quarter finals. 

 

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.

UCL PREVIEW: 2nd LEG(10/3/2021)

Time for the Catalonians to dream and despite Liverpool’s woes; they still get to have a feel of the famous star ball.

It was very much `The Mbappe show’ in the first leg when his chicanery could not be matched by the giants in Catalonia while two costly in-game errors gave Liverpool a two-goal advantage away from a supposed Leipzig home ground in Budapest.

`Nothing Is Impossible’ as a matter of fact for Ronald Koeman as he believes his charges can go out there and pull a surprise. He is being wise not to compare the comeback against Sevilla to a potential happening tonight but what a happy man he will be when Messi has hit a belter from 35 yards to make 4-0 in the 93^rd minute of the game and qualification is sealed – the dream though.

Paris SG was ruthless at the Camp Nou and was unfazed as Messi’s early spot kick went past Navas. Mbappe grabbed the bull by the horns and had a dance of his own but there is tonight to seal the deal. Pochettino has said he would expect his side to respect Barcelona yet do the necessary to make it to the last 8.

Neymar would have wished to participate in this one but he together with Bernat and Kean will be absent. Koeman has never had his full squad all season and has Gerard Pique, Phillipe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto in the treatment room.

The game plan would be simple for Koeman; go out there and get the goals and not concede. It becomes easier as well for Poch but defending will need the likes of Kimpembe and Marquinhos to stay alert all game to the runs of Griezmann, Messi and Dembele. Mbappe run riot the last time and the back line of Barcelona must look to curtail his progress. He scores tonight, he becomes the youngest player in UEFA Champions League to reach 25 goals, aged 22 years and 80 days.

 

A downturn in Klopp’s fortunes has been predicted mostly based on happenings in his final years at Borussia Dortmund and Mainz. It has left many wondering if this is it for him. A much younger coach in Julian Nagelsmann has pulled up to great strides in his coaching career and his job at RB Leipzig has been superb. He lost the first tie but can rear on to give this Leipzig team the required boost to knock Liverpool out. Sabitzer returns from injury and could move straight into midfield; Nagelsmann could set up a three-man defensive wall. Angelino is out until after the international break and Alexandre Sorloth has been a massive utility player for RB Leipzig mainly operating from either flank or is very much an aerial threat.

Liverpool can only catch some respite when they have a feel of the famous star ball on these European nights. They look worn out domestically. Matthew Howarth – a Liverpool reporter does not think the Reds have entirely lost their appetite rather he sees how difficult it is to sustain success in a domain as dementedly competitive as the premier league – a stare from the blue side of Manchester.

Salah and Mane got the goals in the first leg. Bobby Firmino may sit this one out, but Jota can slot in to give the forward line the considered impetus. Gini Wijnaldum believes winning the UCL can rescue their season. Is it the end of the road for Leipzig or can Klopp make Gini's statement stay in accord?

All Games 20:00 GMT

 

 

 

 

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