CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS
The firs-legs ensured for some dramatic matches. Villarreal caused a shock upset as they beat Bayern 1-0. Karim Banzema has staked an early claim for this years Ballon’dor with yet another hattrick. City and Liverpool were both dominant in their performances and they both have one foot in the semis.
BAYERN MUNICH VS VILLARREAL
The firs-leg delivered the shock of the round with Villarreal walking away with a 1-0 win.
It’s safe to say that they deserved the win as well.
Bayern have shown that they are lethal at their home ground, but there will be some pressure on them seeing as they are trailing. Their attack will need to be firing on all cylinders in order to break down the Spanish sides defense.
Unai Emery has once again proved that he is the European tactician. Bayern were on a 22 game unbeaten away run in the UCL until last weeks defeat. The previous defeat came against Emery’s PSG team!
This match could go either way and we’re certainly in for another thrilling encounter!
ONE TO WATCH: GERARD MORENO
PREDICTION: 1-1
REAL MADRID VS CHELSEA
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate Karim Benzema. What a player and what a season he is having! He is aging like a fine wine!
Los Blancos were lethal at Stamford Bridge last week and they have a 2 goal lead to show for it. A Benzema hattrick has put them in the driving seat for this second-leg.
Chelsea deserve some credit for their spirited display. They kept going even after conceding a poor 3rd goal. Two defeats in a row has left them low on confidince. But they were able to dispatch Southampton with ease. A 2 goal difference has definitely not guaranteed Real’s place in the semi-finals but it might just be to big for Chelsea to turn around.
ONE TO WATCH: LUKA MODRIC
PREDICTION: 2-1
ATLETICO MADRID VS MACHESTER CITY
If there is one manager that’s going to thwart Pep and his City side it is going to be Simeone.
City were utterly dominant in the first-leg and walked away with a 1-0 win.
All they need to do is to replicate that performance then they are almost guaranteed a place in the next round.
Atletico failed to register a single shot in the whole game. They will need bo be far more attacking to even stand a slight chance against City. You always feel that Simeone has something up his sleeve, but will it be enough?
A 1 goal lead means it’s still anyones game and we might just see this one heading to extra time.
ONE TO WATCH: PHIL FODEN
PREDICTION: 1-2
LIVERPOOL VS BENFICA
A great first-leg is being followed up with a big night under the lights at Anfield. Liverpool claimed a 3-1 victory in Portugal but as Klopp said “It’s only halftime.”
Liverpool played well but a error from Konate has given Benfica a glimmer of hope.
The Portugese side rallied after their first goal but conceded a late goal as Liverpool restored their 2 goal lead. They will know that another early Liverpool goal might just be enough to end their dreams, but if they score first…anything can happen.
Liverpool will have Anfield as their 12th man and that might be the deciding factor in this thrilling tie.
ONE TO WATCH: THIAGO
PREDICTION: 2-0
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