Our football scribe previews the 2nd leg for the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
We’re into week two of the Round of 16, second leg with Juventus, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid all boasting a two-goal advantage, while Sevilla lead by a tiny 2-1 margin after Leicester City struck an away goal to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
A total of 14 goals were scored in the first leg of these ties, and with Monaco hosting Man City this time around, let’s hope we see more fireworks. At the same time, surely we can bag some extra money in the process.
Tuesday 14 March
Juventus 6/10 | Draw 11/4 | Porto 9/2
Juventus will be looking to reach their 10th quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League. Juve made the task easier than expected, claiming a 2-0 win in Portugal. FC Porto head to Turin two goals down and with the record of never beating the Italian giants in Europe, losing three of their four matches played. To make matters worse for Porto, they will need to try and overcome their defeat without Alex Telles, who was given his marching orders in the first leg.
Juve boss, Massimiliano Allegri, made the perfect substitutions in their 2-0 win over the Dragons, with both Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves scoring shortly after coming off the bench. The Old Lady are still undefeated in this year’s competition and have conceded the least amount of goals (2). At the time of writing, Juve have won all 14 of their home matches played in the Italian Serie A. Their impressive form in Turin should continue as they book their place in the next round. Get on the home win at 6/10.
Leicester City 23/10 | Draw 5/2 | Sevilla 21/20
Leicester City may be a goal down in the tie, but their heads will be lifted up high after Jamie Vardy found the back of the net to give the Foxes that all-important away goal. Kasper Schmeichel was also at his best once again to deny Joaquin Correa from the spot which proved crucial to their chances. Sevilla have been one of Europe’s top performing sides since Jorge Sampaoli took over. The Sevillistas are third in the Spanish La Liga and have been superb away from home as well.
Leicester City decided to sack Claudio Ranieri after the first leg tie. It didn’t prove to be a bad decision at all as the English champions have now gone on to win two consecutive matches, including a 3-1 win over Liverpool a fortnight ago. Sevilla’s form has also been impressive, winning their last four games in a row in the Spanish La Liga. Sampaoli will be disappointed with his side not taking their chances in the first leg and the Argentine tactician will know he has a tough game to look forward to. Back the Over 2.5 Goals market at 7/10!
Wednesday 15 March
Monaco 31/20 | Draw 26/10 | Manchester City 29/20
Monaco and Manchester City will lock horns in what promises to be another thrilling game of end-to-end action. City ran out 5-3 winners in the first tie, with Monaco twice taking the lead at the Etihad Stadium. Radamel Falcao’s chip over Willy Caballero was voted ‘Goal of the Week’ for the first leg fixtures, and had he scored his penalty, it could have been a different outcome for the French giants. City will look to add to their five goals scored in the first leg, with Sergio Aguero also looking to extend his tally of five goals in the campaign.
Our full preview
Both defences were exposed in the first leg of this tie, but that didn’t stop the attackers from playing their part. City’s front three of Aguero, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling were outstanding going forward, while Monaco’s Falcao, Bernardo Silva and Kylian Mbappe played brilliantly. Just like the first leg, I’m expecting goals galore. Over 3.5 Goals is tipped at 9/10.
Atletico Madrid 13/20 | Draw 29/10 | Bayer Leverkusen 4/1
Bayer Leverkusen travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid trailing by four goals to two. Leverkusen will be hoping their decision to sack Roger Schmidt doesn’t backfire as they hope to upset Atletico. Los Colchoneros have won their last seven two-legged ties against German sides.
Atleti are likely to be without Fernando Torres after the Spanish striker suffered a head injury against Deportivo, but was in attendance as Simeone’s men crushed Valencia 3-0. Leverkusen are on a terrible run at the moment and come off an embarrassing 6-2 defeat to Dortmund. Atletico are not the type to rest their players, despite scoring four away goals. Simeone’s side should see themselves into the next round here. Back the home win at 13/20.
QUAD @ 15/2
Juventus Win 6/10
Leicester City vs Sevilla Over 2.5 Goals 7/10
Monaco vs Man City Over 3.5 Goals 9/10
Atletico Madrid Win 13/20
Written by Jesse Nagel @Hollywoodbets
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