Midweek Football Review

No surprises bar 1 big one!

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Real Madrid 3 (4) vs. (1) 1 Atalanta

Real Madrid needed a big win to consolidate their place in the next round and win they did. Benzema scored in the 1st half while Ramos scored a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 2-0. Muriel got one back for Atalanta in the 83rd minute but Asensio made it 3 for Real Madrid a minute later. Real Madrid progress to the last eight as they draw from their experience in the competition while Atalanta are dumped out of Europe. 

Man City 2 (4) vs. (0) 0 Monchengladbach

De Bruyne and Gundogan scored within 20 minutes to win this game for City and Pep. It was a comfortable round for City and they yet again go through to the quarters. Monchengladbach are dumped out and can now focus on getting into the European places in the Bundesliga. 

Bayern Munich 2 (6) vs. (2) 1 Lazio

Lewandowski scored in the 33rd minute to give Bayern the lead. Choupo-Moting made it 2 for Bayern in the 73rd minute and Lazio got a consolation goal in the 82nd minute via Parolo. Bayern cruised through the tie as they look to defend their title in the next round. 

Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Arsenal 0 (3) vs. (2) 1 Olympiacos

El-Arabi scored in the 51st minute to give Olympiacos the lead and Ba was sent off for Olympiacos in the 82nd minute. Olympiacos got the win but they couldn’t get the 3 goals needed to reach the next round. Arsenal go through on aggregate thanks to the 1st leg as they still stand a chance. 

Dinamo Zagreb 3 (3) vs. (2) 0 Tottenham

Zagreb had to scored 3 goals without reply and Zagreb did score 3 goals while Tottenham had no reply. Zagreb’s manager is in prison, that is a fact that one should know. Tottenham held on for around 60 minutes but Zagreb switched gears. Orsic got one back in the 62nd minute while he equalised for Zagreb in the 82nd minute. The game then went to extra time and Zagreb got the winner in the 106th minute thanks to Orsic again as he completed his hattrick. Zagreb move into the Quarters while Tottenham are dumped out in emphatic fashion. Mourinho actually looked broken and speechless in his post match conference. 

AC Milan 0 (1) vs. (2) 1 Man United

This was a pretty poor game with both teams having been sloppy for 90 minutes. United got through thanks to luck though as Pogba found a loose ball in the box and managed to smashed it past Donnarumma. United go through while Milan are knocked out and can now focus on staying close to Inter at the top of Serie A. 

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Midweek Football Preview

Who’s going to reach the latter stages of Europe?

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Real Madrid (1) vs. (0) Atalanta

Real Madrid got an away goal in the first leg and have the advantage going into this game. Atalanta need to score a minimum of 1 goal to get back into this game and then hope that Real Madrid don’t reply back. The more away goals Atalanta can manage the more of an advantage they gain. Real Madrid have drawn 2 and won 1 of their last 3 games. Atalanta have won 3 and lost 1. It’s a finely poised game and Atalanta will know that a goal or more brings them right back into the tie. 

Man City (2) vs. (0) Monchengladbach

City go into this game with 2 away goals in hand and comfortable for the 2nd leg. Monchengladbach have to score a minimum of 2 goals in this game without reply to stand a chance of going through. City won 4 and lost 1 of their last 5 games while Monchengladbach have lost all 4 of their games since the 1st leg to various opponents. City should go through to the next round while Monchengladbach need a miracle. 

Bayern Munich (4) vs. (1) Lazio

Munich already have 1 step in the next round with 4 away goals to their name. Lazio managed to get 1 at home but need to score a minimum of 4 going into this game, without reply. If Lazio manage 4 then Munich would have to score 2 because Lazio would then have the away goal advantage. Munich have won all 3 games since the 1st leg while Lazio have lost 2 and won 1. This game is just a formality for Bayern and the champions should easily reach the next round. 

Europa League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Arsenal (3) vs. (1) Olympiacos

Arsenal got 3 away goals in the 1st leg and are in a position of advantage for the 2nd leg. Olympiacos have 1 goal to their name but would have to score a minimum of 3 in London without reply. A tough task for the Greeks. Arsenal won at the weekend while Olympiacos also won at the weekend. Two good teams but this should be too much for Olympiacos and Arsenal are all but into the next round. 

Dinamo Zagreb (0) vs. (2) Tottenham

Tottenham got 2 goals in London as they travel to play Dinamo who failed to get any away goals. If Tottenham get an away goal then Zagreb would have to score a minimum of 4 goals to get into the next round. Dinamo won at the weekend while Tottenham lost. Tottenham should reach the next round. 

AC Milan (1) vs. (1) Man United

The game is finely poised for the 2nd leg with Milan having away goal to their name. United have to score in this leg if they want to go through and if United get 2 then Milan would have to score 3 to progress. Milan lost at the weekend while United won at the weekend. It is an interesting game and Milan are struggling at the moment while United are managing to get results. 

 

Midweek Football Review

Passing of the torch?

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Juventus 3 (4) vs. (4) 2 FC Porto

Oliveira scored in the 19th minute to give Porto the lead. Chiesa equalised in the 49th minute for Juventus while Taremi was sent off for Porto in the 54th minute. Chiesa gave Juventus the lead in the 63rd minute which tied the game, and took it to extra time. Oliveira scored in the 115th minute for Porto while Rabiot made it 3 for Juventus two minutes later. Porto go through on away goals as Ronaldo and Juventus are dumped out for another season running. 

Dortmund 2 (5) vs. (4) 2 Sevilla

Haaland scored in each half to give Dortmund a 2 goal lead. En-Nesyri got two in the final 20 minutes of the game to equalise for Sevilla. Dortmund go through on aggregate while Sevilla are knocked out. No Europa League for the Spanish team this time as they can concentrate on top four now. 

Paris Saint Germain 1 (5) vs. (2) 1 Barcelona

Mbappe scored a penalty in the 30th minute to give PSG the lead while Messi equalised for Barcelona in the 37th minute. PSG had done the damage in the 1st leg though and Barcelona could not muster another memorable performance. PSG go through under Pochettino while Barcelona are sent home and can now focus on a title challenge in Spain. 

Liverpool 2 (4) vs. (0) 0 RB Leipzig

Salah and Mane scored in the 2nd half to give Liverpool a 2 goal win and send them into the quarter’s. Leipzig had no reply over two legs and put in a lacklustre campaign which couldn’t replicate last season’s run. Liverpool keep their Champions League run alive even though their domestic campaign isn’t going well.

Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Man United 1 vs. 1 AC Milan

A game that Milan dominated they had two disallowed goals in the 1st half. One was offside and one was disallowed due to a dubious hand ball by Kessie. VAR really ruined that 2nd goal. United got the lead in the 50th minute as Diallo who had come on for Martial scored his first goal for the club. A good goal. United decided to defend for the rest of the game and Milan kept trying. Milan finally got the crucial goal in the 92nd minute as Kjaer scored a header. Milan have the away goal advantage going into the 2nd leg. 

Olympiacos 1 vs. 3 Arsenal

Odegaard scored in the 34th minute to give Arsenal the lead. El-Arabi equalised for Olympiacos in the 58th minute. Gabriel and Elneny got two late goals to give Arsenal a win and 3 away goals to take home. The 2nd leg looks tricky for Olympiacos and on the face of it they would have to score 3 goals minimum to reach the next round. Advantage Arsenal going into the 2nd leg.

Tottenham 2 vs. 0 Dinamo Zagreb

Kane got a goal in each half to give Tottenham a good 2 goal win. Dinamo could not get an away goal which is another positive for Mourinho. Mourinho and Spurs should go into the 2nd leg with a foot in the next round. 

Premier League (Games in hand)

Man City 5 vs. 2 Southampton

De Bruyne scored in the 15th minute to give City the lead. Ward-Prowse equalised for Southampton via the penalty spot in the 25th minute. Mahrez and Gundogan gave City the lead right before half time. Mahrez got another in the 55th minute to make it 4-1. Adams got one back for Southampton in the 56th minute while De Bruyne made it 5 in the 59th minute. A big win for City as they go 14 points clear at the top having played a game more. Southampton return to losing ways as they remain 14th in the table. 

La Liga (Games in hand)

Atletico beat Bilbao 2-1 in the game as the Madrid team play their final game in hand. The gap is now 6 points with everyone more or less level on games played. The real race for La Liga starts now with Atletico still having a good advantage. 

Midweek Football Preview

Big games in Europe!

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg

Juventus (1) vs. (2) FC Porto

Porto have a goal advantage as they take on Juventus in Turin for the 2nd leg. Juventus did manage to get an away goal which should help them. Juventus would need to only score 1 goal to go through on away goals. If Porto get a goal though things could get complicated for the Italians. Juventus have won 3 and drawn 1 since the 1st leg while Porto have won 2, drawn 1, and lost 1. Juventus would still be favourites to go through and should over the 90 minutes. 

Dortmund (3) vs. (2) Sevilla

Dortmund managed to get 3 away goals against Sevilla but the Spaniards have 2 of their own. Sevilla need to score 2 goals minimum in Dortmund to go through. Dortmund can further complicate things if they also score goals. Dortmund have won 3, and lost 1 since the 1st leg while Sevilla have won 1, and lost 3. It’s going to be a tricky game but Sevilla have been in general poor form and Dortmund should go through. 

Paris Saint Germain (4) vs. (1) Barcelona

PSG head into this game with an advantage of 4 away goals. Barcelona would need to score a minimum of 4 goals in Paris without reply to stand a chance to reach the next round. PSG are firmly in the driving seat and while Barcelona have been playing well this year I really can’t see the Parisiens letting this go. PSG have won 3 and lost 1 while Barcelona have won 4 and drawn 1. Barcelona could win this game but I can’t see them reaching the next round. 

Liverpool (2) vs. (0) RB Leipzig

Liverpool got 2 away goals to bring back to Anfield but it is at home where they can’t manage to win. Liverpool have only managed 1 goal at home this year as they take on Leipzig. Leipzig need a minimum of 3 goals without reply to win this game. If Leipzig manage to score 3 and Liverpool get 1 Leipzig would still go through. Liverpool have won 1 and lost 3 while Leipzig have won all 4 of their fixtures. On any other day Liverpool would be favourites to go through but given their home form Leipzig will know they have a chance. 

Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Man United vs. AC Milan

United take on Milan for this Round of 16 fixtures with the first leg at Old Trafford. United have drawn 2 and won 1 since their last game while Milan have won 2 and drawn 1. Milan have gone through a small rough patch over the last few weeks but they seem to be coming out of it now. United managed to beat City at the weekend but overall they have been in dubious form. It’s an open game and the result could go either way.

Olympiacos vs. Arsenal

Arsenal play Olympiacos once again and this time Arsenal aren’t in great form either. Arsenal’s best hope is the Europa League but Olympiacos are good opposition. Olympiacos have won 2 and drawn 1 while Arsenal have won 1 and drawn 1. Arsenal have it all to play for and if they can get a couple of away goals it would setup a big advantage.

Tottenham vs. Dinamo Zagreb

Tottenham are hitting form at the right time as they take on Dinamo for this round of fixtures. Tottenham have won all 3 of their last games while Zagreb have also won all 3 of their fixtures. Bale, Son, and Kane have hit form in recent games with Bale especially scoring goals for fun. It should be an interesting game over two legs but Tottenham should reach the next round.

Premier League (Games in hand)

Man City vs. Southampton

City’s great 28 game unbeaten run came to an end as they lost to local rivals United on Sunday. They start from scratch now as they take on Southampton who sit 14th and finally managed to win a game during the weekend. This is going to be an interesting game because it will be intriguing to see how the leaders react to a loss. They sit 11 points clear at the top at the moment and a win in this game would just return matters to normal. A loss though would really open up some questions.

La Liga (Games in hand)

Leaders Atletico play their final game in hand as they take on Bilbao at home. Atletico have a 3 point gap at the top and they really are in the middle of a title race. Barcelona sit 3 points behind them while Real are 5 points behind them. A win would increase the gap once again but a loss would really encourage the likes of Barcelona and Real. 

Midweek Football Review

Away wins galore!

Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg

Lazio 1 vs. 4 Bayern Munich

Lewandowski, Musiala, Sane, and an own goal from Acerbi gave Bayern a good 4 goal lead. Lazio got one back via Correa but that was it. Bayern are through and the 2nd leg should just be a formality. 

Atalanta 0 vs. 1 Real Madrid

Freuler got a red card for Atalanta in the 17th minute and that gave Real Madrid the advantage. Real Madrid though have a depleted squad and finally managed to get a goal in the 87th minute via Mendy. A big goal for the away team but still a tough 2nd leg to come. 

Monchengladbach 0 vs. 2 Man City

Silva scored in the 1st half and Jesus scored in the 2nd to give City a comfortable 2 goal lead for the 2nd leg. City should win this but 2 goals is a tricky gap and they might need to score a couple more. 

Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg

Tottenham 4 (8) vs. (1) 0 Wolfsberger

Alli got a goal in the 10th minute while Vinicius added 2 and Bale also got one in the 2nd half. Tottenham march into the Round of 16 without breaking a sweat and maybe Mourinho might want to use some of these fringe players in his Premier League XI. 

Arsenal 3 (4) vs. (3) 2 Benfica

Aubameyang scored in the 21st minute to give Arsenal the lead, but Goncalves equalised right before the 2nd half for Benfica. Silva then gave Benfica the lead in the 61st minute after some horrendous play from Ceballos. Tierney equalised for Arsenal in the 67th minute but they still needed to score and Aubameyang got the winner in the 87th minute. Arsenal move into the next round while Benfica go out fighting. 

Leicester 0 (0) vs. (2) 2 Slavia Praha

Provod and Sima got goals in the 2nd half to give Praha a big win and send them into the next round of the Europa League. Leicester are dumped out without scoring but can now focus on a top four place and their FA Cup journey.

AC Milan 1 (3) vs. (3) 1 Red Star Belgrade

Kessie scored a penalty in the 9th minute to give Milan the lead while Nabouhane equalised for Belgrade in the 24th minute. Gobeljic got a red card for Belgrade in the 70th minute but Milan were able to manage the game. Milan go into the next round but are still going through a rough patch.

Man United 0 (4) vs. (0) 0 Real Sociedad

No goals in this game as United had already done the damage in the 1st leg to seal progression to the next round. Sociedad missed a penalty early in the 1st half but didn’t score goals.

Premier League (Games in hand)

Leeds 3 vs. 0 Southampton

Bamford, Dallas, and Raphinha scored in the 2nd half to give Leeds a big win against Southampton. Southampton return to losing ways while, Leeds return to winning ways and move into 10th in the table. 

La Liga (Games in hand) 

Messi scored 2, and Alba got another as Barcelona beat Elche comfortably. Barcelona go within 2 points of Real Madrid and within 5 of Atletico. Atletico’s poor form in recent games has opened up the title race in Spain. 

 

Midweek Football Preview

More European football!

Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg

Lazio vs. Bayern Munich

Lazio sit 5th in Serie A and have won 9, drawn 2 and lost 4 of their games since the group stage. Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga and have won 10, drawn 2, and lost 3 of their games since the group stage. Form wise not much separates the two sides since the group stage although on paper Bayern are the reigning champions and have the better squad. It will be a tricky fixture but Bayern should go through over two legs. 

Atalanta vs. Real Madrid

Atalanta sit 4th in Serie A and have won 11, drawn 6, and lost 1 while Real Madrid sit 2nd in La Liga and have won 10, drawn 2 and lost 3. Real Madrid haven’t been up to their best this season but still find themselves in the race for trophies. Atalanta have played well in recent weeks and are have already beaten Real Madrid before. This should be an exciting game and one can expect goals for sure. On any other day Real Madrid should go through over 2 legs but Atalanta are no push overs. 

Monchengladbach vs. Man City

Monchengladbach sit 8th in the Bundesliga and have won 6, drawn 5, and lost 3 in since the group stage. City sit top of the Premier League and have won 18, and drawn 2 since the group stage. There’s no real reason to analyse this game City are steam rolling any and everything in their path and they should win this. 

Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg

Tottenham (4) vs. (1) Wolfsberger

This fixture was all but done in the 1st leg and while Tottenham might not be great domestically they have been doing well in the Europa League. Just a formality for Mourinho and company while Wolfsberger can fight for some pride. 

Arsenal (1) vs. (1) Benfica

Arsenal have the away goal but Benfica drew the game. Arsenal aren’t in great form at the moment and could find themselves out of the Europa League if Benfica score more than one goal. It’s a tough game for both teams. 

Leicester (0) vs. (0) Slavia Praha

Leicester failed to get an away goal against Praha and they will now need to keep a clean sheet and score to not complicate matters. Slavia only need to score a goal to force Leicester to score 2. Leicester should go through but its not a given.

AC Milan (2) vs. (2) Red Star Belgrade

Milan have not been in great form in recent weeks and now find themselves 4 points behind in Serie A as well. Red Star did well to draw the first game while Milan do have 2 away goals. Milan have some room to breathe but they need to score and maintain a clean sheet if possible to go through. I expect Milan to reach the next round but it’s a tricky game. 

Man United (4) vs. (0) Real Sociedad

United have 4 away goals and bar a collapse from them in this 2nd leg they should go through. Real Sociedad could do the impossible especially with United having such a tired starting XI, and Chelsea during the weekend. United to go through but Real Sociedad to put up a fight. 

Premier League (Games in hand)

Leeds vs. Southampton

12th placed Leeds take on 13th placed Southampton with Southampton finally having drawn a game after 6 successive losses. Leeds have lost their last 2 games. An interesting game with two teams trying to enter the top 10, and the result could go either way, both teams need the win. 

La Liga (Games in hand)

Barcelona play Elche in the league and need to win to keep within touching distance of 2nd placed Real Madrid. Elche are in the relegation zone and this should be a win for Barcelona. 

Midweek Football Review

Some surprise results!

Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg

RB Leipzig 0 vs. 2 Liverpool

Salah and Mane scored in the 2nd half to return Liverpool to winning ways against a well drilled Leipzig side. 2 away goals is a good advantage to take into the home leg at Anfield and Leipzig have it all to do. 

Barcelona 1 vs. 4 Paris Saint Germain

Messi scored a penalty in the 27th minute but that was it for Barcelona. Mbappe equalised for PSG 5 minutes later and PSG won the game in the 2nd half. 2 more goals from Mbappe to complete a hattrick and Kean added the 4th. It’s a big win for PSG and should be more than enough to take them into the Quarter’s even with the 2nd leg still to play. Barcelona have come back in past seasons but this Barca team is no where near as good as those teams. 

Sevilla 2 vs. 3 Dortmund

Suso scored in the 7th minute to give Sevilla the lead, but Dahoud equalised for Dortmund in the 19th minute. Haaland then gave Dortmund the lead in the 27th minute and made it 3 in the 43rd minute. Luuk de Jong got one back for Sevilla in the 84th minute but Dortmund held on for the win. All to play for in the 2nd leg with both teams still in it. 

FC Porto 2 vs. 1 Juventus

Taremi scored for Porto in the 2nd minute and Marega scored for Porto in the 46th minute. 2 early goals in each half gave Porto a 2-0 lead. Chiesa got one back for Juventus in the 82nd minute but they have it all to do in the 2nd leg. 

Europa League Round of 32 1st Leg

Real Sociedad 0 vs. 4 Man United

United dominated the opening minutes of the game and while they had several good chances Sociedad held on. The opening goal came in the 27th minute as the Sociedad defenders and goalkeepers collided into each other and Fernandes passed a loose ball into an empty net. Lucky but in the lead. The rest of the 1st half saw Sociedad get back into the game but they couldn’t get the goal. Fernandes then made it 2 in the 57th minute and as Sociedad opened up and chased the game United added 2 more on the counter with Rashford and James. United are into the Round of 16 even with the 2nd leg still to play. 

Wolfsberger 1 vs. 4 Tottenham

Son, Bale, and Moura all scored in the 1st half to give Tottenham a comfortable lead. Liendl got one back for Wolfsberger in the 55th minute but Vinicius made it 4 in the 88th minute. Tottenham are also into the next round and can rest players for the 2nd leg. 

Slavia Praha 0 vs. 0 Leicester

No goals in this game as Leicester could not get an away goal advantage. All to play for in the 2nd leg and pressure on Leicester to keep a clean sheet. 

Red Star 2 vs. 2 AC Milan

After several tries and disallowed goals Milan finally got the lead through an own goal by Pankov in the 42nd minute. Kanga equalised for Red Star in the 52nd minute via a penalty but Theo Hernandez put Milan ahead once again in the 61st minute. Rodic was sent off for Red Star in the 77th minute but Red Star managed to equalise in the 93rd minute via Pavkov. Milan have 2 away goals but not the win and they need to finish it in the 2nd leg. 

Benfica 1 vs. 1 Arsenal

Pizzi scored a penalty in the 55th minute for Benfica and Saka equalised for Arsenal in the 57th minute. Aubameyang could have won the game for Arsenal but he missed those chances and the game ended in a draw. It’s a finely poised game and it could go either way. 

Premier League (Games in hand)

Everton 1 vs. 3 Man City

Foden scored in the 32nd minute to give City the lead but Richarlison equalised for Everton in the 37th minute. Mahrez and Silva then scored in the 2nd half to win the game for City. City go 10 points clear at the top of the table and now level on games with the rest of the teams around them. Everton have one more game in hand but remain 7th in the table. 

Burnley 1 vs. 1 Fulham

Ola Aina got Fulham the lead in the 49th minute as Fulham once again dominated the game but Barnes equalised for Burnley 3 minutes later. The points are shared with Burnley moving into 15th while Fulham remain 18th 6 points from safety. 

La Liga (Game in hand)

Atletico drew with Levante 1-1 as they couldn’t manage a win away from home. Atletico go 6 points clear at the top of the table and still have one game in hand over some of the other teams. 

Midweek Football Preview

Champions League is back!!!

Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg

RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool

Leipzig finished 2nd in their group and find themselves 2nd in the Bundesliga as they take on Liverpool who finished 1st in their group and find themselves 4th in the Premier League. Leipzig have won 9, drawn 2, and lost 2 of their games since the group stage finished. Liverpool have won 5, drawn 4, and lost 6 in the same period. In terms of form there is one team that is clearly ahead and that is Leipzig. Liverpool are struggling for a multitude of reasons but a big team should be able to get through them. Naglesmann vs. Klopp, I think Nagelsmann will win this win. 

Barcelona vs. Paris Saint Germain

Barcelona finished 2nd in their group and are 3rd in La Liga as they take on PSG who topped their group under Tuchel and sit now under Poch sit 2nd in Ligue 1. Barcelona have won 14, drawn 2, and lost 2 since then, while PSG have won 10, drawn 2, and lost 2. Two teams in similar form and similar positions in their season at the moment. PSG are under new management with Poch in charge and it will be his first taste of Champions League football as the French teams manager. Barcelona for all their struggles are still playing well mainly due to Messi, so this should be an interesting game. The result could go either way. 

Sevilla vs. Dortmund

Sevilla finished 2nd in their group and sit 4th in La Liga as they take on Dortmund who topped their group and sit 6th in the Bundesliga. Sevilla have won 15, drawn 2, and lost 1 since then while Dortmund have won 6, drawn 2, and lost 5. Dortmund are finding it tough at the moment and this season they have generally been lacklustre. Sevilla have continued on from under Lopetegui and looked a settled side but Dortmund still have top quality players to hurt any team. Sevilla should win but it will be tricky. 

FC Porto vs. Juventus

Porto finished 2nd in their group and sit 2nd in the Primera Liga while Juventus topped their group and sit 4th in Serie A. Porto have won 11, drawn 5, and lost 1 while Juventus have won 12, drawn 2, and lost 3. Porto seem to be doing well, and Juventus have not been great in the league but have been doing fine in the cups. Juventus should win this game but it will be tricky for them. 

Europa League Round of 32 1st Leg

Real Sociedad vs. Man United

When this fixture came out Sociedad were flying high, and United were struggling. United then went on a great run but have come back to struggling while Sociedad are struggling at the moment. Sociedad finished 2nd in their group and sit 5th in La Liga while United finished 3rd in their group (which meant dropping into Europa), and sit 2nd in the Premier League. Sociedad have won 4, drawn 4, and lost 6, while United have won 11, drawn 6, and lost 2. United regardless of the last 5 games are in way better form and should progress over the two legs but the away trip will be tricky. 

Wolfsberger vs. Tottenham

Wolfsberger finished 2nd in their group and sit 6th in the Austrian Bundesliga as they take on Tottenham who finished 3rd in their Champions League group and sit 9th in the Premier League. Wolfsberger have won 7, drawn 2, and lost 2 while Tottenham have won 7, drawn 3, and lost 7. For all of Tottenham’s problems in recent weeks I think the Europa League will be a good break for them and they should win this over the 2 legs. 

Slavia Praha vs. Leicester

Praha finished 2nd in their group and sit 1st in the Czech league as they take on Leicester who sit 3rd in the Premier League and topped their group. Praha have won 9, and drawn 1, while Leicester have won 10, drawn 4, and lost 2. Two teams in top form in their respective leagues and it will be a tough game for either team. 

Red Star vs. AC Milan

Red Star finished 2nd in their group and sit top of the Serbian League as they take on Milan who topped their group and sit 2nd in Serie A. Red Star have won 8 and drawn 1 while Milan have won 8, drawn 2, and lost 4. Milan aren’t in great form over the last 2-3 weeks while Red Star have been flying high albeit in a weaker league. It will be a tricky game but Milan should go through over two legs. 

Benfica vs. Arsenal

Benfica finished 2nd in their group and sit 4th in the Primera Liga while Arsenal topped their group and sit 10th in the Premier League. Benfica have won 9, drawn 5, and lost 3 while Arsenal have won 7, drawn 3, and lost 6. Arsenal have been inconsistent while Benfica haven’t been at their best but based on form this season Benfica should be the better team over two legs. Arsenal looked good against Leeds though so anything could happen. 

Premier League (Games in hand)

Everton vs. Man City

Everton sit 7th and lost to Fulham as they take on City who are flying high and sit top of the league. A win for City could take them 10 points clear at the top of the table while Everton could go level on points with Liverpool with one game still in hand after this game. City should win this if Everton play like they did against Fulham. 

Burnley vs. Fulham

16th vs. 18th with both teams coming off wins during the weekend. Fulham have looked good in recent weeks and finally managed a win while Burnley have been solid at the back. It should be a very interesting game, Burnley could pull away from the relegation zone with a win while Fulham could go within 4 points of safety if they win this game. 

La Liga (Game in hand)

Atletico play another of their games in hand as they travel to Levante. Atletico can go 8 points clear at the top of the table with a win and they should win this game. 

 

Midweek Football Review

The knockout stages are set in Europe!

Champions League Group Stage MD 6

Group A

Bayern Munich 2 vs. 0 Lokomotiv Moskva

Sule and Choupo-Moting scored in the 2nd half to seal a routine win for Bayern in a game of no consequence to them. Bayern finish the group stage as the winners having won 5 and drawn 1 while Lokomotiv finish last a point behind Salzburg and are knocked out of Europe.

RB Salzburg 0 vs. 2 Atletico Madrid

Hermoso scored in the 1st half and Carrasco scored in the 86th minute to seal a win for Atletico and progression to the Round of 16 as runners up. Atletico managed 2 wins 3 draws and a loss as they finished 7 points behind Bayern and 5 ahead of Salzburg. Salzburg failed to win which sees them finish 3rd and head to the Europa League. 

Group B

Real Madrid 2 vs. 0 Monchengladbach

Real Madrid had to deliver on the night to reach the Round of 16 and deliver they did as Benzema scored 2 goals in the 1st half to seal a win over Monchengladbach. This meant that Real finished top of the group with 3 wins 1 draw and 2 losses while Monchengladbach finished 2nd in the group level on points with Shakhtar but ahead due to a better head to head recored with the Ukranians. The two teams progress to the Round of 16 and Madrid fans can breathe a sigh of relief. 

Inter Milan 0 vs. 0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Inter had to win on the night to reach the Europa League at the very least but they couldn’t manage to find the goal as they finished 4th in the table and got knocked out of Europe. Shakhtar also needed to win if they wanted to finish 1st or 2nd but their draw means that they ended up finishing 3rd and drop down to the Europa League.

Group C

Man City 3 vs. 0 Marseille

Torres and Aguero scored in the 2nd half while Gonzalez scored an own goal in the 90th minute to wrap up a comfortable group stage for City. City finish as leaders with 5 wins and a draw while Marseille finish bottom of the group though level on points with 3rd placed Olympiacos. City head to the Round of 16 as group winners yet again. 

Olympiacos 0 vs. 2 Porto

Monteiro scored a penalty in the 10th minute to give Porto the lead while Uribe made it 0-2 in the 77th minute. Olympiacos had Semedo sent off in the 79th minute but regardless of the loss the Greeks still managed to finish 3rd and head to the Europa League. Porto finish the group as runners up and head to the Round of 16. 

Group D

Midtjylland 1 vs. 1 Liverpool

Salah scored in the 1st minute as it looked like it would be a comfortable win for Liverpool but Midtjylland held on and they equalised in the 62nd minute via a penalty from Scholz. The home side manage a memorable point against a big team and just their 2nd of the group stage as they bow out of Europe while Liverpool finish as group winners and head to the Round of 16. 

Ajax 0 vs. 1 Atalanta

After what was a very close game, Gravenberch was sent off for Ajax in the 79th minute and Atalanta managed to steal the win with a goal from Muriel in the 85th minute. Ajax get knocked out of the Champions League yet again as they head to the Europa League while Atalanta manage to once again qualify for the Round of 16. 

Group E

Rennes 1 vs. 3 Sevilla

Kounde scored in the 1st half to give Sevilla the lead while En-Nesyri scored two goals late on in the 2nd half to make it 0-3. Rutter got one back for Sevilla in the 86th minute via a penalty. Rennes get knocked out of Europe as they finish 4th with a solitary point this campaign while Sevilla head to the Round of 16 as they finish 2nd. The Spaniards will be slightly sad as they won’t be able to defend their Europa League crown this season. 

Group F

Zenit 1 vs. 2 Dortmund

Driussi scored in the 16th minute as Zenit were fighting for pride in this group having already been on their way out. Dortmund had to fight hard to get back into the game and goals from Piszczek and Witsel in the 2nd half completed a comeback win for the Germans. Dortmund finish the group as winners and head to the Round of 16. 

Lazio 2 vs. 2 Club Brugge

This game would decide who would finish 2nd and 3rd and it was an entertaining one. Correa scored in the 12th minute to give Lazio the lead but Vormer equalised for Brugge 3 minutes later. Immobile restored Lazio’s lead via a penalty in the 27th minute. Sobol was sent off for Brugge in the 39th minute but a goal from Vanaken in the 76th minute brought Brugge back into the game. Neither team could find the winner. Lazio finish 2nd in the group as they head to the Round of 16 while Brugge head to the Europa League. 

Group G

Barcelona 0 vs. 3 Juventus

Juventus had to beat Barcelona by a minimum of 3 goals without a reply to finish top of the group. Barcelona needed to limit the loss, draw or win to finish as group winners. The game was made all the more exciting as Messi and Ronaldo turned up against each other once again. Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 13th minute while Mckennie scored a brilliant goal in the 20th minute to make it 0-2. Ronaldo then scored a penalty in the 2nd half to seal the win for Juventus and send them top of the group. Barcelona finish 2nd as both the teams head to the Round of 16 with 15 points each. 

Dynamo Kyiv 1 vs. 0 Ferencvaros

An important game for different reasons as the winner would head to the Europa League and a goal from Popov in the 60th minute meant that Kyiv was that lucky team. Ferencvaros are knocked out of Europe all together. 

Group H

RB Leipzig 3 vs. 2 Man United

United had headed into the last 2 games needing a point and after the loss to PSG last week they still needed a point or more from this game. Leipzig had to win to reach the next round. The game was made all the more interesting after it came out that Pogba wanted to leave United. Angelino scored in the 2nd minute to give Leipzig the lead while Haidara made it 2 in the 13th minute. Kluivert made it 3 in the 69th minute as it looked like United were heading to the Europa League. Fernandes got his customary dubious penalty in the 80th minute and a very lucky Konate own goal meant that United ended the game with some hope. Leipzig though finish 2nd as runners up and head to the Round of 16 while United are sent down to the Europa League. 

Paris Saint Germain 5 vs. 1 Istanbul Basaksehir

PSG had to win to reach the Round of 16 while Istanbul were fighting for pride. The game on Tuesday was abandoned after a 4th official used a racial word to describe a player and all 22 players walked off the pitch to show that such things cannot be tolerated. The game resumed on Wednesday as Neymar scored a hattrick and Mbappe added 2 in a big win for PSG. Istanbul got one through Topal. PSG head to the Round of 16 as group winners while Istanbul are sent out of Europe but their message was a massive one to the world of sport and of course they will be thanked for winning against United. 

Europa League Group Stage MD 6

Dundalk 2 vs. 4 Arsenal (Group B)

Nketiah and Elneny scored within 20 minutes to give Arsenal a 0-2 lead while Flores got one back for Dundalk 2 minutes later. Willock and Balogun scored 2 more in the 2nd half while Dundalk got another one through Hoare late on. Arsenal finish the group as winners and with full points as they reach the Round of 32 while Dundalk finish bottom of the group with 0 points. 

Sparta Prague 0 vs. 1 AC Milan (Group H)

Hauge scored in the 23rd minute and Prague had Plechaty sent off in the 77th minute as the solitary goal was enough for the Italians. Milan finish the group as winners as they head to the Round of 32 while Prague finish 3rd in the group and are knocked out. 

Tottenham 2 vs. 0 Antwerp (Group J)

Vinicius and Bale scored in the 2nd half to seal a win for Tottenham against Antwerp. Tottenham finish the group as winners a point ahead of Antwerp as they finish 2nd and both teams head to the Round of 32. 

Leicester 2 vs. 0 AEK Athens (Group G)

Under and Barnes scored within 15 minutes and it was enough as Leicester won the game comfortably. Leicester finish the group as winners as they end up ahead of Braga due to better head to head results. Athens finish bottom of the group. 

So with that sorted the summary of teams in the Knockout Rounds is – 

Champions League 

Group Winners – Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Dortmund, Juventus, PSG. 

Runner Ups – Atletico Madrid, Monchengladbach, Porto, Atalanta, Sevilla, Lazio, Barcelona, Leipzig. 

Europa League

CL Drop Outs – Salzburg, Shakhtar, Olympiacos, Ajax, Krasnodar, Club Brugge, Dynamo Kyiv, Man United. 

Group Winners – Roma, Arsenal, Leverkusen, Rangers, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, Leicester, AC Milan, Villarreal, Tottenham, Dinamo Zagreb, Hoffenheim. 

Runner Ups – Young Boys, Molde, Slavia Praha, Benfica, Granada, Real Sociedad, Braga, Lille, Tel-Aviv, Antwerp, Wolfsberg, Red Star Belgrade. 

Midweek Football Preview

Places at stake!

Champions League Group Stage MD 6

Group A

Bayern Munich vs. Lokomotiv Moskva

Bayern are through as group winners and will want to end their group stage on a high by beating Lokomotiv who realistically can only make the Europa League. Lokomotiv need to win regardless of results elsewhere to finish 3rd. Bayern drew at the weekend while Lokomotiv won at the weekend. 

RB Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid

Atletico sit 2 points above Salzburg but have drawn their last 3 games in the group stage as they travel to Salzburg who are looking to finish 2nd. A win would send either team through to the round of 16 while the other team would most likely go to the Europa League. Salzburg lost at the weekend while Atletico won their game. 

Group B

Real Madrid vs. Monchengladbach

3rd placed Real Madrid sit a point behind leaders Monchengladbach with everything at stake in this game. Real Madrid can go through if they win while a draw would make the decision very close. Real Madrid can finish 4th if they lose and Inter win. Monchengladbach can go through if they win or draw while a loss would then depend on results elsewhere. Real Madrid will not want to drop into the Europa League and they would probably prefer to finish 4th while Monchengladbach will want to reach the round of 16. Real won at the weekend while Monchengladbach drew. 

Inter Milan vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Inter sit 4th in the table 2 points behind Shakhtar and the maximum points they can get is 8 which would make it interesting depending on results elsewhere. The most likely case is that Inter finish in a Europa League position if they win and results go their way. Shakhtar can reach the round of 16 if they win and a draw would be enough if Real lose or draw. Interesting group. Inter and Shakhtar both won their game at the weekend. 

Group C

Man City vs. Marseille

City are looking to finish top of the group while Marseille sit 4th and want to reach the Europa League. City are through either way and a win would take them top of the group while a draw would be enough if Porto lose. Marseille sit 4th and need to win if they want finish 3rd and hope that Olympiacos lose while a draw would be enough if Olympiacos lose as well. City won at the weekend while Marseille also won at the weekend. 

Olympiacos vs. Porto

Olympiacos sit 3rd and will want to finish 3rd while Porto sit 2nd and are hoping to finish 1st. Olympiacos will remain 3rd if they win or draw and Marseille lose. Porto can finish 1st if they win or draw and City lose. Olympiacos and Porto both won at the weekend. 

Group D

Midtjylland vs. Liverpool

Midtjylland are looking to end the group stage with some pride as they sit 4th while Liverpool sit top of the group having sealed 1st. A nothing game really, both teams won at the weekend and Klopp will probably want to rest a few players. 

Ajax vs. Atalanta

Ajax sit a point behind Atalanta and the winner of this game will reach the round of 16 while the loser will finish 3rd. Ajax lost at the weekend while Atalanta didn’t play a game. It’s going to be a very interesting one to watch and either way the teams European journeys will continue. 

Group E

Rennes vs. Sevilla

Rennes sit bottom of the group 3 points behind Krasnodar while Sevilla are 2nd 3 points behind Chelsea. A win for either team won’t change the positions and so it’s more of a chance to rest players etc rather than a game of stake. 

Group F

Zenit vs. Dortmund

Zenit having nothing to fight for as they sit bottom of the group while Dortmund sit top of the group a point ahead of Lazio. Dortmund will go through if they win lose or draw but it depends whether they will finish 1st or 2nd. Zenit won at the weekend while Dortmund drew. 

Lazio vs. Club Brugge

Lazio sit 2nd 2 points ahead of Brugge while. The winner of this game will finish 2nd while the loser will drop down into the Europa League. Lazio and Brugge won at the weekend. 

Group G

Barcelona vs. Juventus

Barcelona sit 3 points ahead of Juventus and regardless of the result Barcelona should finish 1st while Juventus finish 2nd. Barcelona lost at the weekend while Juventus won at the weekend. Barcelona have been flawless in the Champions League and will want to continue their winning run while Juventus will just want to win. 

Dynamo Kyiv vs. Ferencvaros

The game to decide who finishes 3rd and ends up in the Europa League. Ferencvaros have to win while Kyiv can go through with a win or a draw. The two teams won their domestic games at the weekend and it’s all to play for.

Group H

RB Leipzig vs. Man United

The most interesting group with both teams level on points along with PSG. Whoever wins this game goes through to the Round of 16 while a draw would be enough for both teams if PSG lose. If PSG win then a draw would be enough for United. Leipzig drew at the weekend while United won at the weekend. A massive game for both teams. 

Paris Saint Germain vs. Istanbul Basaksehir

PSG sit 2nd and a win would secure a round of 16 spot for them while a draw would be enough if the other game is a draw or one of the teams win. Istanbul are fighting for pride and will finish 4th either way. PSG won at the weekend while Istanbul drew in their league. 

Europa League Group Stage MD 6

Dundalk vs. Arsenal (Group B)

Arsenal have a perfect record in the Europa League and will want to continue that with a win against Dundalk. Dundalk have nothing to fight for except pride. Should be a win for Arsenal. 

Sparta Prague vs. AC Milan (Group H)

Milan are through to the Round of 32 regardless of the result but they will want to win and hope that Lille lose or draw so that they can top the group. Prague sit 3rd but have nothing to fight for. 

Tottenham vs. Antwerp (Group J)

Antwerp and Tottenham are through to the next round but the winner of this game will finish top of the group. 

Leicester vs. AEK Athens (Group G)

Leicester are through but will want to win the game to top the group, while Athens don’t have anything to fight for.