We saw some interesting battles in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg matches last week and we are not done yet. With another four ties in store, here is everything you need to know about this week’s fixtures.
Liverpool v Real Madrid
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
When: Tuesday 21 February, 8pm
TV: BT Sport 1/BT Sport Ultimate
Betfred odds*: Over 1.5 Real Madrid goals is 6/5
In a repeat of last year’s Champions League final, Liverpool and Real Madrid head into this clash as different teams to the ones which featured in Saint-Denis. The Reds are languishing in eighth in the Premier League and are well out of the title race, while Los Blancos are eight points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga. The hosts have been eliminated from both domestic trophies and it would take a miracle for them to win the Premier League from their current position, so the Champions League is their only chance to attain some success from this disappointing season.
They will know exactly what they’re coming up against in record 14-time Champions League winners Real Madrid, who of course shattered their hearts less than a year ago. Given how both clubs’ title charges haven’t gone to script this year, there is a lot riding on both to progress as far as possible in the Champions League and that could set us up for an excellent round-of-16 tie.
Eintracht Frankfurt v Napoli
Where: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt
When: Tuesday 21 February, 8pm
TV: BT Sport 2
Betfred odds*: Over 3.5 goals is 13/8
Last season’s Europa League winners did brilliantly in their Champions League group stage campaign to progress to the knockout stages and there is a lot to like about Oliver Glasner’s side. The biggest drawback to the team is that they have been quite vulnerable from set pieces and that is something Napoli will be looking to exploit.
The Italian side are one of the most exciting teams in Europe right now. They are flying in Serie A as they sit atop the league 15 points clear. Luciano Spalletti’s side were the most impressive team in the group stage as they won five of their six fixtures and found the back of the net 20 times. They boast one of the best forwards in Europe in Victor Osimhen, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term. They also possess one of the most exciting young wingers on the continent right now in Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and, like Osimhen, he is being closely monitored by many of Europe’s elite. There is a strong feeling that Napoli can go far in the Champions League, and due to their outstanding group campaign, you can see why.
RB Leipzig v Manchester City
Where: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
When: Wednesday 22 February, 8pm
TV: BT Sport 1/BT Sport Ultimate
Betfred odds*:
These two teams are set to meet again after sharing the same Champions League group in 2021-22. Pep Guardiola’s side won the enthralling home fixture 6-3 but lost the away match 2-1. The Cityzens will be wary of their previous experience at the Red Bull Arena and they will be hoping they can have a strong start in the tie as they continue their hunt for a first Champions League title.
RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose has been rebuilding his reputation after an underwhelming campaign with Borussia Dortmund in 2021-22. The former Borussia Monchengladbach coach has got his side in the periphery of the title race, within seven points of leaders Bayern Munich. His team has a great harmony, with all players working collectively on and off the ball. They have one of the brightest attackers in Europe in Christopher Nkunku, who City will know well after he scored a hat-trick against them last year.
Inter Milan v Porto
Where: San Siro, Milan
When: Wednesday 22 February, 8pm
TV: BT Sport 2
Betfred odds*:
Consistency has been a huge problem for Inter in 2022-23. They have shown that they can get really good results, such as when they defeated Napoli in early January, only to then suffer a defeat against Empoli less than three weeks later. They did enough to get themselves through to the Champions League knockout stage and at times did play some excellent football, but as we know, you never know what you’re going to get with them. A positive heading into the fixture is that star striker Lautaro Martinez has scored eight goals in all competitions in 2023 already, and Inter will be relying on him to give them the advantage in this tie at home to Porto.
The visitors were an impressive team to watch during the group stage as they topped a group which featured both Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. The Portuguese outfit recovered brilliantly to top the group. After losing their opening two matches they then won their remaining four to fully merit top spot in Group A. Porto have had to deal with a lot of injuries this year but the character and desire from Sergio Conceicao’s side has never wavered as their recent run of nine victories on the spin in all competitions shows. They will not be fazed by travelling to San Siro and they will be out to upset the Italian giants on home soil.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
