Bayern Munich and PSG secured their spots in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals last night. Tonight, we eagerly await to see who will join them as Real Madrid faces RB Leipzig with a slim lead, while the reigning champions, Man City, should have a much easier second leg tie at home against Man United slayers, Copenhagen.
Madrid vs RB Leipzig
Real Madrid hold a slender 1-0 lead over their German opponents heading into this second leg tie. RB Leipzig will still feel aggrieved having had their goal incorrectly ruled out for offside in the first leg. The removal of the away goals rule will surely have a great effect in this game living up to its billing as both teams play expansive, uncompromising football.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were unlucky to come back with a draw in the heated 2-2 draw against Valencia at the Mestalla. Jude Bellingham’s trademark late goal was denied by the match official, who had whistled for full-time moments before the midfielder’s headed effort. Los Blancos have picked up impressive results in LaLiga despite missing most of their important players in the second-half of this campaign. They have stayed unbeaten in nine encounters in all formats and are leading the league race by six points.
The exciting but sluggish Leipzig have improved their form on the domestic front, only losing to Bayern Munich in five league games. Marco Rose’s charges have been struggling on the road, with their last away win coming in the middle of September. A 4-1 away win at Bochum on Saturday may be the stimulus needed ahead of visiting the esteemed Santiago Bernabeu. A huge loss in Spain will add pressure on the under-fire Rose, who has overseen just two wins in nine previous appearances.
Ancelotti’s men have suffered just one defeat in their previous 30 games in all competitions and are backed to continue that purple patch. Leipzig last eight away fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net and this tie could be no different. Madrid’s perfect home record in the group stages and the return of Jude Bellingham could be key. I am expecting a hard win for Real Madrid.
Prediction: Real Madrid Straight Win
Manchester City vs Copenhagen
Manchester City will look to make light work of Copenhagen when the two clubs meet in the second leg showdown of the Champions League last 16. Overturning a 3-1 scoreline seems an improbable task for the Danish visitors who were dominated by City in their own backyard on 13 February.
Juggling three competitions has never been an issue for Pep Guardiola’s men. The Cityzens eventually secured a historic domestic treble last season despite lagging behind in the league race at some points. The first leg win over Copenhagen showed the resilience of the defending champions, who emerged victorious despite missing some key players. Although they are yet to recapture their scintillating form, City are on an 18 game unbeaten run in all competitions, stretching back to 10 December.
Copenhagen suffered a 3-2 defeat against log leaders Midtjylland on Friday, a loss that left them three points behind in the title race. The Danes had begun the season with two straight wins, scoring five unanswered goals. Jacob Neestrup’s side managed to secure two points from a possible nine in their three away ties in the group stages, a worrying sign as they visit the Etihad Stadium, which has been turned into a fortress in previous years.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne are back firing for the Cityzens in the most important part of the season. A 3-1 deficit forces the away side to come out of the blocks, a strategy that may play into City’s hands. Copenhagen could be in for a beating here. This is a banker. Man City will win here.
Prediction: Man City Straight Win
