Connect with us

Soccer

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 5 stats that could shape the round of 16

As we head into the last 16 of the Champions League, Desh Parthab takes a look at 5 stats that could shape this round of fixtures.

Kylian Mbappe of PSG - Champions League
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

As we head into the last 16 of the Champions League, Desh Parthab takes a look at 5 stats that could shape this round of fixtures.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

With the crème de la crème of the European elite remaining, the commencement of the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League take centre stage this week. The first leg of the Round of 16 is among us and those who still stand will want to put themselves in the best possible position to progress and lift the coveted trophy. Desh Parthab takes a look at five stats that could shape the round of 16.

Free-scoring Bayern

Bayern Munich have scored 22 Champions League goals across their six group stage fixtures, which means they enter the knockout rounds as the tournament’s leading scorers. Their relentless form in front of goal saw them score no fewer than six goals during the final 15 minutes of their group stage fixtures – with half of those coming courtesy of Robert Lewandowski. Furthermore, 13 of their 22 goals came at home, which means they occupy top spot for the most goals scored at home from all clubs.

Leaky Sporting defence must step up

Sporting have conceded 12 Champions League goals, which means they enter the knockout rounds with the leakiest defence. Sporting CP are into the knockout stage of the competition for just the second time this century. If they are to reach the quarters – in unprecedented fashion – they will need to overcome last season’s runner-ups Manchester City. Interestingly enough, the reigning English champions are the only team yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition.

Real Madrid’s back four to face ultimate test

Real Madrid approach their Paris rendezvous with an unblemished record on the road. The Spanish giants are yet to concede an away goal in the UCL and have won all 3 of their away fixtures during the group stages. Los Blancos have conceded just 3 goals in this season’s Champions League – the joint fewest (level with Bayern Munich) from all clubs.

Reds aiming to keep 100% record alive

Liverpool have bagged 10 away Champions League goals throughout the group stages – joint top with Ajax and RB Leipzig. Perhaps unsurprisingly, five of those 10 away goals have been scored by Mohamed Salah. What is surprising is Salah’s 5 away goals have come from just 6 shots on target! Liverpool are one of three teams with a 100% record in the UEFA Champions League this season, along with Bayern Munich and Ajax. The Merseyside Club will need their talisman to find his form following attacking returns in just 1 of his previous 7 appearances (across all competitions).

Martìnez to find his shooting boots against Liverpool?

Lautaro Martìnez (25) has taken the most number of shots in the Champions League thus far, but hasnt got a goal to show for it. The striker has hit the woodwork once and missed 2 big chances across his 6 tournament appearances but is yet to open his account in the European club competition. Martinez has attempted 15 of his 25 shots on home soil, so perhaps this is where he will end his European goal drought. Martinez’s 11 league goals scored means that he is Inter’s leading goalscorer in the Italian Serie A.

Register Now with Hollywoodbets Mobile
Related Topics

More in Soccer

Official Partners

Hollywoodbets Durban July
Brentford FC
Dolphins Cricket
Hollywoodbets Greyville
Hollywoodbets Scottsville
Sharks Rugby
Netball SA
La Liga
Hollywoodbets Kings Park
Hollywoodbets Kingsmead
HWB Super League
Hollywoodbets Kenilworth
Hollywoodbets Durbanville