Benjamin Trussel
Round one of the knockout round of the Champions League is complete. As always with this
league, there were a few surprises in the results. From goalless draws by big teams to PSG’s
domination of Manchester United, this round had some intriguing results. Here’s a breakdown
of each game and our prediction of the final outcomes
A.S. Roma 2 – 1 Porto
Nicolo Zaniolo. The 19-year-old Italian scored both goals for Roma, helping the Italians past this
Portuguese side that usually troubles them. Domestically, these teams are on divergent paths.
Porto is flying high at the top of the Portuguese league, while Roma is struggling with
inconsistency in Italy. It’s hard to call this second leg, as Roma sits with the one-goal advantage,
but Porto has the crucial away goal to break a tie. Neither of these teams are a real
powerhouse, so they are on close terms talent-wise.
Prediction: Too close to call
Manchester United 0 – 2 Paris Saint-Germain
Without Neymar or Cavani, PSG was expected to struggle against a finally in-form Manchester
United, but such was not the case. Mbappé showed once again how fast and deadly he is on a
break, and we saw Marquinhos, Veratti, and Di Maria step up in the absence of their superstars.
Man United were definitely shut down throughout the match, and with Pogba out for the
second leg, on top of 2 unanswered away goals for Paris, we can only predict a win for PSG.
Prediction: PSG
Tottenham 3 – 0 Dortmund
With both teams’ star men out with injury, this game was going to be a big question of who
would step in to fill the void, and the answer was cast into the light buy none other than Son.
Korean striker Hueng-Min Son has been on fire as of late, and he showed it again this game. A
solid performance by the Spurs’ defense as well. Vertonghen proved his worth as a role player
by playing as a wing back this game. Not only did he shut down the rising star Jadon Sancho,
but he also was potent going forward, and got a goal to top it all off.
Dortmund are a team in good form domestically, but we don’t see them coming back from 3
goals down, especially as winning the Bundesliga has to be their main focus this season, we
doubt Dortmund will have the drive or ability to recover from its first leg woes.
Prediction: Tottenham
Ajax 1 – 2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid are always going to be the favorites in the UCL, but Ajax really showed their
quality, despite the loss in the first leg, and Ajax are not out of this by any stretch. Considering
Real have the SECOND WORST defensive record at home in Spain this season, it is no crazy idea
to say that Real could actually be knocked out at this stage, despite winning the last 3 UCL
trophies. No Cristiano, no party?
Prediction: Too close to call
Olympique Lyonnais 0 – 0 FC Barcelona
Well that was not good for Suarez. Not good at all. Suarez’s failures to finish in this game
brought a firestorm from Barcelona fans, highlighting his awful drought in the UCL. He has now
gone 25 hours and 11 minutes of game time in the competition without scoring a goal OR
getting an assist. Big yikes. Without the quietly spectacular Ter Stegen in goal, Barcelona would
have come out of this game with a loss.
However, we simply cannot see Lyon withstanding the full force of at-home Barcelona.
Prediction: Barcelona
Liverpool FC 0 – 0 Bayern Munich
They just couldn’t finish. This theme continued for Liverpool throughout the game. Mané is
through, he can’t finish. Salah is played over the top, weak shot, can’t finish. Liverpool failed to
take their chances in this game, despite dominating most of the play. Their makeshift back line
performed well, keeping Lewandowski isolated and quiet most of the game. On the other side,
Bayern’s defensive shape was compact and narrow, leaving Salah stifled and without room to
operate.
Though it may feel like Liverpool slipped in this game because of missed opportunities, their
fantastic form, Van Dijk’s return, and Bayern’s well-below average season gives Liverpool an
ever-so-slight edge going into the second leg.
Prediction: Liverpool
Atlético Madrid 2 – 0 Juventus
Juventus, like Manchester United, seemed to have a reality check in this game. Mainly playing
weak sides in the Serie A recently, Juve were enjoying life, but Atleti are no lower-tier side. They
once again showed their defensive prowess and withstood Juve’s 64% possession. They
prevented Juventus from really getting any good chances, and the game could have been much
worse, since Atlético had a goal questionably disallowed, and Szczęsny made an absolutely
world-class save on Antoine Greizmann’s nearly-beautiful chip.
Despite a great first leg, Juventus are truly a force at home, and a frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo
is a force himself. Atletico will have to show their defensive power to the absolute maximum.
The first leg gives them an advantage, but the second leg is going to be a very very tight match.
Prediction: Atlético
Schalke 04 2 – 3 Manchester City
Leroy Sané’s free kick was a real highlight, but Man City will be sad to see Otamendi suspended
for the second leg from his red card. Despite the scoreline of struggle, the stats show the
pattern of dominance from City we are used to seeing. Shots: City 21 – 7 Schalke. 67%
possession with 88% pass accuracy. Pep will be proud of that.
Schalke will be happy to get the two penalties, but they are now going to be playing one of the
best teams the Premier League has ever seen. At home. With a goal advantage and 3 away
goals. Sorry Schalke, but we can’t see you coming back from this one.
Prediction: Manchester City
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