The feels and thrills of the UEFA Champions League return on Tuesday after months of not witnessing any European Club Competition games. But, all is now set for another masterclass performance in the second round of the competition.
A total of 308 goals were scored in 96 matches played in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League this season and it’s mostly possible to see at least 30+ goals in the current round due to some irresistible matches that will take off right from this current stage of the competition.
As it stands, it’s evident that some big clubs will have to kiss the Champions League goodbye right after this stage. But before then, Cheapgoals will consider some of the epic matches that must not be missed by every lover of the round leather game.
Atlético Madrid v Liverpool
An encounter of the defending champions and last season’s quarter-finalists. This undoubtedly is a game of two spectacular sides; Atletico is a side that hardly leaves spaces behind for opponents to exploit. The Kop, on the other hand, are a side that forces their opponents to make defensive errors with the help of the two fullbacks they possess.
The Merseyside club has played 35 times against Spanish teams and they’ve won 15 times, played 8 draws and lost 10 times. Maybe not a bad record against teams from Spain. But one worrying factor for Liverpool will be their away form in the Champions League.
The miracle of last season might not happen again should Liverpool lose by a large margin on their visit to Wanda Metropolitan. However, Atlético will have to make sure they’re on top of their game to stop the hottest team in Europe at the moment right from the first leg in Spain.
Borussia Dortmund v Paris St Germain
The German team finished second behind Barcelona; Perhaps, the biggest hurdle to scale through. Qualifying from a group that had Inter Milan, Slavia Prague, and Barcelona. Same for the Paris outfit, they qualified as winners in the group that consists of Real Madrid, Galatasaray, and Club Brugge.
More so, they didn’t concede more than two goals in the group stage (the two goals incidentally came on matchday 5 at the Bernabeau) and didn’t lose any of the six matches. This for sure will also be another cracker as two ultra attacking sides will get to face off and look forward to getting the better out of themselves. Goals will be scored aplenty no doubt!
Real Madrid v Manchester City
These two teams last met in the quarter-finals of the 2016/2017 season, and for the records, The Los Blancos were the better sides as well as eventual winners of the competition. Many people will want to pay attention to this important match more than other games in the second round.
For Manchester City and Pep, the holy grail has been the Champions League since they’ve dominated the English scene for two years on the bounce, and right now doesn’t have a hope of winning the EPL any longer, thus making them switching the attention to Europe – is it feasible for them to win? Time will tell!
While for Real, they’re looking forward to replicating the 2017/2018 success of doing the doubles of La Liga and UCL trophy. We keep our fingers crossed as to what will happen eventually.
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
This is a battle of one of the most experienced teams (Bayern Munich) in the Champions League this season and one of the youngest sides (Chelsea). The fixture will have on the pitch the competition’s top scorer (Robert Lewandowski) and his cohorts from Germany take a trip to London to face the Blues. One thing happens when The Bavarians visit London – Goals are always abounding and the last time they played in England, they were on a rampage against Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s safe to say that the two managers will be facing tougher tests from each other; only the fittest will survive…
Atalanta v Valencia
Atalanta is a very high scoring side with much confidence and concentration on their game. Evidently that has made them one of the best-attacking sides with a crazy fluid of play in Europe this season.
The Italian club qualified at the expense of the regulars in the Champions League (Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk). The hope of some lovers of the game seems to be high on these debutants after they’ve impressed many in the group stage. Valencia on the other hand also seeking a breakthrough in Europe this season.
This is a battle of the underdogs that will bring about goals in both legs of the encounter. One match to watch out for as well.
UEFA Round 16 Fixtures
Tuesday 18 February
Dortmund v Paris
Atlético v Liverpool
Wednesday 19 February
Atalanta v Valencia
Tottenham v Leipzig
Tuesday 25 February
Chelsea v Bayern
Napoli v Barcelona
Wednesday 26 February
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Lyon v Juventus
