Two teams will on Wednesday night have their names confirmed on the quarterfinal draw set for Friday at Nyon, Switzerland. It is all to play for as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven all have a shot at reaching the last 8.
Here’s a preview of tonight’s Champions League action:
Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan | Agg (0-1)
It is advantage Inter Milan as they visit the Spanish Capital to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg tie of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The hosts have been struggling in the past few weeks, and the latest 2-0 loss to Cadiz in LaLiga has only added growing pressure to Diego Simeone and his charges. Atletico have registered just two wins in their past nine matches in all competitions, and are facing real pressure to maintain their fourth place position with Athletic Bilbao just two points away in fifth place. The hosts could end this season trophyless, as they were bundled out of the Copa Del Rey by Bilbao last month and needing to overturn a 1-0 first leg loss against Inter Milan. Simeone could be without talisman Antoinne Griezmann for the second leg, a big blow for the hosts who are failing to create and convert opportunities.
The 2022/23 Champions League finalists head to this fixture as serious contenders for the Serie A title. Inter proved their big game temperament with a 1-0 win over high-flying Bologna over the weekend despite resting talisman Lautaro Martinez. Simone Inzaghi’s men have recorded an incredible 13 straight wins across all competitions, opening a 16-point lead at the summit. Inter last dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Genoa on 29 December. El Toro will surely be recalled for this mammoth tie as the Italians look to book their place among European elite in the quarterfinal draw.
Inter were too strong for Simeone’s men in San Siro and were unlucky not to score a goal or two more. They have won their past six matches away from home, while Atletico’s usually mean defence has kept one clean in their previous nine encounters. The home side will be forced to change their defensive approach if they are to win here, a strategy that may play into the possession style of Inter. Inter will qualify to the quarterfinals, a draw is the likeliest option.
Prediction: Inter win or Draw
6/8… 👀
The quarter-finals are looking 🥵#UCL pic.twitter.com/I5xpZ8GW7D
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 12, 2024
Borussia Dortmund vs PSV Eindhoven | Agg (1-1)
With the first leg tie evenly matched at 1-1, Borussia Dortmund and PSV will meet at Signal Iduna Park for the final instalment of the tie, which will decide the team to progress to the last 8.
Borussia have endured another inconsistent season so far as they lie in fourth place on the Bundesliga table with 47 points. To compound their misery, Marco Terzic’s side are 17 points behind log leaders Bayer Leverkusen and have also suffered early elimination in the DFB Pokal. Dortmund have won their past two away league games heading into this important European fixture, conceding just a solitary goal in the process. The hosts are sweating on the fitness of Jadon Sancho, Julian Brandt, Marco Reus and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel while Sebastian Haller is a long-term absentee with an ankle injury.
PSV are enjoying a remarkable season as they are currently holding a 13-point lead at the top of Eredivise whilst they are in participating in the domestic cup and the Champions League. Peter Bosz’ side are unbeaten domestically as they chase a lucrative leap to the quarterfinals, a stage they last reached in the 2006-07 season. PSV are yet to taste defeat in their previous five fixtures in the Champions League, earning a decent four points in their away fixtures in the group stages. The Netherlands outfit have a clean bill of health ahead of the game.
PSV earned a tight 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles on Friday and have scored 17 goals in their past six games. The away have stumbled against stern opposition, seen in their stalemates versus Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord but have no trouble scoring. Dortmund are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions, recording three clean sheets in the process. PSV will trouble the home side and find the back of the net. But I do not see them advancing to the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score
