There are no easy games in the Champions League at the best of times, but the play-offs are set for a new level of excitement!
So join us for our picks from the first-leg album.
If you want to get closer to the football you love, then there are a host of live betting odds and markets you need to immerse yourself in the Champions League.
*All odds are subject to change
Real Madrid to beat Manchester City @ 2.86
The highlight fixture of this round and only one of the two favourites to win this year’s competition will remain. It goes to show the quality of the tournament that the elite of European football are facing each other at this early stage. City’s poor form has been well documented this season, and their struggles seem to be far from over. A laboured 2-1 win over Leyton Orient at the weekend backs this up.
The very top of their game may not even be enough against the defending champions, whose Champions League campaign so far will leave them dissatisfied. However, they are the masters of this competition and normally kick on when it’s needed. We’re backing Real to take an important away lead this week.
AC Milan to beat Feyenoord @ 2.23
Previously giants of this competition, Milan have been far from their best on the European stage for some time, last winning the competition in 2007. They’ll be set on a successful run this time around to put their names back on the map. Some astute January signings, including the arrivals of Kyle Walker and Joao Felix, will boost their confidence as they look to reach the last 16 of the tournament.
Feyenoord have been unpredictable so far, but a 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich is testament to their ability and they are not to be taken lightly. But their overall talent and organisation, along with excellent additions to the squad, means we’re predicting an away win for Milan.
Atalanta to beat Club Brugge @ 2.04
Atalanta are well and truly in the Serie A title picture and have been turning heads in the Champions League. Perpetually underestimated, the boys from Bergamo will relish their underdog label and look to keep shocking the big sides as far as they can. Long-time manager Gian Piero Gasperini is one of the best around and he has the know-how to take his side deep into the competition. But first they’ll have to overcome a durable Club Brugge team, involved in their own domestic title tussle.
Club Brugge similarly are no strangers to big upsets, taking some impressive scalps so far in this competition. That being said, we’re predicting a win for the all-action Italian side on this occasion.
Borussia Dortmund to beat Sporting @ 3.05
Many may overlook this one due to other, more glamorous match-ups, but this is what the Champions League is all about. Dortmund are struggling in the league currently and will look to cover their losses with a typically impressive display on the continent. They have some of Europe’s top talents in their ranks and are capable of beating anyone on their day, evidenced by their run to last year’s final. They narrowly missed out on an automatic spot and will be hoping to secure their passage in the play-offs.
Standing in their way is a Sporting side that have been entertaining fans with their dynamic play style and talented squad. They’ll want to make the most of their team while they still have it, with big-money moves already being lined up for star striker Viktor Gyokeres and defensive asset Ousmane Diomande. We’re predicting a lead for Dortmund going into the second leg, with their experience in the latter stages of the tournament proving the difference.
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