Champions League Preview: Round Of 16 Leg 1 Of 2 Final Matches
Published February 19, 2019 by Sol FH
The Champions League action continues with four top-flight matches Tuesday and Wednesday night at 20:00 GMT.
The Champions League Round of 16 continues Tuesday and Wednesday night, with four top-flight matches. Last week we saw the first half of the action wherein Roma beat Porto 1-0, United lost to PSG 0-2, Tottenham destroyed Dortmund 3-0, and, Ajax fell to Real Madrid 1-2. The highlights this week include Lyon vs. Barcelona (Tuesday, 20:00 GMT), Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich (Tuesday, 20:00 GMT), Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus (Wednesday, 20:00 GMT), and Schalke vs. Man. City (Wednesday, 20:00 GMT).
Lyon vs. Barcelona
Lyon has a tough match at home against Barcelona. This is the first time that Lyon has made it to the knock-out stage in the seven seasons that they have been in the competition, so facing an experienced team like Barca will be extra-difficult. Lyon has never beaten Barcelona in any European competition, and the odds are stacked against them in this match too. bet365 Sports likes Barcelona's' chances of winning away too, and have posted odds at 1.80 for Barcelona to win, and, 4.50 for a Lyon winner.
Liverpool vs. Bayern
It is a crazy statistic, but it is true; Liverpool has not faced Bayern in any European competition in 37 years (1981). Most years, it would be a daunting task to face Bayern, winner of the Bundesliga for the last six years in a row, and the club that have reached the Champions League semi-finals in five of those six years. But, which Bayern is this now? A team in transition? Two points back of Dortmund in the league, and looking for new talent. Liverpool hosts Bayern tonight, and the odds are in their favor at 2.05, while Bayern is at 3.60.
Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus
The match of defensive heavyweights will be one of the most action-packed games of the round. Juventus must try and get the win while on the road, but, after seeing what Juventus has done in the league this week, Atletico should be aware that they have Ronaldo & Co. to deal with. bet365 Sports has tight odds in favor of Atletico at 2.80, while Juventus is locked in at 2.87.
Schalke vs. Man. City
Man. City is huge favorites to win this match and send Schalke to the second leg with a very deep ditch to dig out of. City has been winning matches with dominant force. They just beat Chelsea 6-0, beat Newport City 4-1 in the FA Cup, and before that a 2-0 over Everton, and, a 3-1 over Arsenal. bet365 has City at 1.28 to win, while Schalke is at 11.00.
