After witnessing the first legs of 4 intriguing clashes, the ties are yet to be decided in crucial 2nd legs. Who will gain advantage and will reach the Semifinals and eventually the final match in Madrid is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure – all 4 ties are still alive. Spurs, Barcelona and Liverpool hold a lead against their opponents and Juve and Ajax will decide the outcome of their duel in a stunner in Turin. See our preview below and if you want to build your way of betting on them, take a look at our Strategies section.
Barcelona vs Manchester United
Barca hold a narrow lead ahead of their home match against Man United. Luke Shaw scored an own goal in what proved to be an affair with not so much clear chances and goal opportunities. Now if United manage to repeat the performance in their return leg in Paris from last round, they will get a chance to go to a semi-final against the potential winners of the clash between Liverpool and Porto. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer certainly keeps great memories from his last visit on Nou Camp. The Norwegian scored the winner against Bayern Munich in the 1999 final and Man United famously lifted the trophy with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge. Barca holded the ball very well in the first leg and now knowing that the English side must be looking for at least 2 goals, plenty of space should be expected for Barca counter attacks. Barca won all 3 last meetings but United emerged winners from last two-legged clashes.
Juventus v Ajax
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunt for another UEFA Champions League trophy after winning it 3 times in a row with Real and one with Man United. The Portugal star was the main man yet again after returning from injury and scoring the opening goal in the Amsterdam game. That was his 8th goals in 6 matches against the Amsterdam giants. The teams had different results over the weekend with both of them giving a rest to key players. Juve lost to SPAL 2-1, but that won’t affect their title bid having a lead at the top. Ajax meanwhile won heavily at home to Excelcior – 6-2 courtesy of a Huntelaar’s hattrick. Ajax stunned the football world after beating Real Madrid 4-1 and producing magnificent attacking display. Now, Dusan Tadic and co will again go to the away tie knowing that a win will guarantee their progress and first semi-final appearance in more than a decade period.
FC Porto v Liverpool
Porto are facing an uphill battle to overturn a two goal deficit against the high-flying Reds side. Liverpool won the first leg and have fond memories from their last visit in Portugal in which they won 5-0 with Sadio Mane scored a hattrick. UEFA Champions league is something like a distraction to Jurgen Klopp’s side because they are fighting for the title with Manchester City as well. Porto will fancy their chances and are in good form at home – they won their last 4 games in the tournament. They have to score at least 3 goals against a stable looking Liverpool defense. The Reds will be boosted by the return from a ban of their left back Andy Robertson. Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino scored the goals in the first leg and is to be seen whether Keita will keep his place in the midfield with the competition from Wajnaldum, captain Henderson and James Milner.
Man City vs Tottenham
The all English affair is more than alive after Spurs won narrowly at their new stadium to delight the home crowd. Now, they face a tough task in their visit of the reigning Premier league champions – Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side are on the hunt for a domestic treble and a possible UEFA Champions League win will guarantee a quadruple meaning that the Spaniard will become one of Citizens greatest managers ever. Son scored the winner and Spurs will be without their talismanic captain Harry Kane who injured himself and will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. This means that both Son and Lucas Moura will have to fill his boots and provide the goals for the North London side. Lucas Moura did so over the weekend by scoring a hattrick in a 4-0 win against Huddersfield, so he will be certainly looking for a starting berth. Manchester City despite dominating locally find it hard when it comes to European matches against fellow Premier league sides. Citizens were eliminated by Liverpool last year and now could repeat that if they not win against Pochettino’s side. Sergio Aguero will be hoping for a better day after his early penalty miss at the first leg.
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