UEFA Champions League returns tonight, with some mouth watering matches. The Champions League is back after a long delay due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic forced all football matches on a hold. After the first legs of the Round Of 16 fixtures and after completing few second leg fixtures, the league was paused. But after 149 days the Champions League has returned.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid (2-1)
The 13 times winners of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 defeat at their home ground in Santiago Bernabeu back in February. But things got worse for Real Madrid when their captain was sent off against Manchester City. Sergio Ramos will miss the reverse fixture in the Etihad Stadium. Back in March, during the initial schedule of the second leg, Real Madrid suffered with injuries. Thibaut Courtois, Marcelo, Eden Hazard everyone suffering with injuries. Adding Sergio Ramos’ suspension a defeat at Etihad seemed inevitable for Real Madrid. But the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 gave the time for players to recover. After winning the La Liga, certainly their morals will be high. They also have a good defensive record but they will be without their captain Sergio Ramos against a team that has scored 100+ goals in domestic league this season. We have seen Real Madrid do many miracles in the past. Can they repeat it again against the Citizens tonight?
Juventus vs Olympique Lyonnais (0-1)
Juventus suffred a shock defeat against Lyon in the first fixture in the Round Of 16. But in the revere fixture they will have the home advantage. Although, without the fans. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled with form in the first half of the season. But in the later half he seems to be unstoppable. He has had a good scoring form in Serie A in recent games. Missed out the European Golden Boot by five goals to Ciro Immobile. Juventus also won Serie A. They surely will be fired up for the second leg. Olympique Lyon on the other hand haven’t played much official games as Ligue 1 was scrapped and Paris Saint-Germain were declared winners. Although, they played in a Coupe de la Ligue final against PSG, they weren’t able to score any goals. Will Juventus make a comeback against Lyon? Or will Lyon shock the Italian champions in UCL?
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea (3-0)
Bayern Munich thrashed Chelsea.F.C in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. They were not the only London club who were the victims of the German champions. In group stage, Bayern Munich humiliated Tottenham Hotspurs beating them (2-7) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bayern Munich are the favorites to win the Champions League this season. They lead comfortably going into the second leg. Chelsea who lost to Arsenal 2-1 in the Emirates FA Cup Final earlier this month. With Pulisic’s impressive form in the later stages of the Premier League must give them some hope. But their defense seems to give them all sorts of trouble, especially Kepa in the goal. But can Chelsea turn it around at the Allianz Arena tonight? Or will Bayern Munich win this fixture comfortably and head into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League this season.
Barcelona vs Napoli (1-1)
F.C.Barcelona seemed to be out of form in La Liga resuming after lockdown. They blew away the lead in the title race against their rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona also lost to Osasuna in the league match crowning Real Madrid champions. In the post match interview after the Osasuna game Lionel Messi stated that “Playing like this we will lose against Napoli”. Although, only him and their goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen seems to be inform players. Napoli on the other hand aren’t in good form themselves. They finished seventh in Serie A. With the home advantage for Barcelona, they are the favorites to go into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League this season. But can Napoli shock Barcelona at Camp Nou and head into the Quarter Finals?
UEFA Champions League Quarter Finalists
Before the lockdown, UEFA completed four fixtures of the Round Of 16 matches. Some of the second leg fixtures saw some thrilling games. Atlanta defeated Valencia 4-3 in the second leg. They won both the matches with aggregate score of 4-8. And qualifying for the Quarter Final.
Paris Saint-Germain completed the comeback against Borrusia Dortmund. Beating them 2-0 in the second leg and winning the the tie with aggregate score of 3-2. They will face Atlanta in the Quarter Finals.
RedBull Leipzig thrashed Tottenham Hotspurs with aggregate score of 4-0 and headed into the Quarter Finals. But they will be without their main player Timo Werner who recently signed for Chelsea.
Atletico Madrid defeated the defending champions in one of the most exciting games this season. They won 3-2 at Anfield and headed into the Quarter Finals with aggregate score of 4-2. Atletico Madrid will play against the RedBull Leipzig in the Quarters.
The UEFA Champions League returns tonight with the remaining Round Of 16 fixtures. The Quarter Finals will be played on August 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, with first fixture between Atlanta and PSG. Their will only be one fixture instead of traditional two leg fixtures. The Semi Finals will be played on August 19th and 20th. And the Final is scheduled to be on August 24th.
