Champions League Preview (2nd Legs)

So it's coming down to crunch time as 16 teams will turn into 8 who will hope for a trip to Roma (unless your AS Roma and you're hoping to play at home at the end of may). So with 7 of the 8 ties still up for grabs, let's see what I think about each of the matches.

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Liverpool v Real Madrid CF (First leg 1:0)

So Liverpool 'stole' victory from Real Madrid two weeks ago in what I thought was one of the bigger surprise results. I honestly thought Madrid, with the home side would be the stronger of the two clubs, but it was Liverpool with all the strength now. Real Madrid need to win this game for so many reasons, but unfortunately, they do not have the coach (Juande Ramos) to take them into the next round. Benitez has his side exactly were they need to be and I expect them to play quite defensive and utilize the counter-attack to their advantage. Real have to play with 3 attacking players (at least) if they want any chance and MUST score in the first half. If they fail to score or give up a goal early on, this match is over. I don't see this being a big score but I do see Liverpool going through

Prediction: Liverpool 0 Real Madrid 0

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FC Bayern Munchen v Sporting Lisbon (First Leg 5:0)

Bayern will advance, will they win will result in how they field their squad. If it's mostly bench players on the field, expect a 0:0 scoreline. If they field regular players (which they won't), expect a 1:0 win for the German side.

Prediction: It doesn't really matter but FC Bayern Munchen 1 v Sporting Lisbon 0

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Panathinaikos v Villareal (First Leg 1:1)

I really like Panathinaikos in this because of the home support they'll have but it doesn't mean I think they'll win. This is a tough one since they went 1-1-1 at home during the group stage. The fan support will mean everything early on. These fans and players know that they just need to disrupt the psyche of the Villareal squad and they will win. Villareal know that one goal, and an early one at that, will kill the crowd. I again expect Villareal to play the offensive with the Greek side absorbing the pressue. Only problem is that Panathinaikos is not Liverpool and they're playing against a decent Spanish squad. While I like Panathinaikos, I don't know if they have the skill to handle the onsault. I want to predict a draw here, but I am leaning towards a 1:1 draw, meaning extra time. If that is the case, Villareal will advance during a penalty shootout

Prediction: Panathinaikos 1 Villareal 1 (Villareal advance in Penalties)

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Juventus v Chelsea FC (First leg 0:1)

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has been talking about how he wants the Juventus fans to distrupt Chelsea and act as the 12th man. One problem, Juventus supports are never there when you need them; they have amongst the worst attendences in the Champions League of a major club. Chelsea control the game and with considering how Guus Hiddink plays with Anelka and Drogba upfront, they will try to score. There is no pressure on Chelsea since they know even if they conceed a goal, they're far from out. Juventus would love to take out this London side, but the skills outside of Keeper lean towards Chelsea and in the end, it's the greater sum that always stays alive.

Prediction: Juventus 1 v Chelsea 1

I'll talk about Wednesday matches prior to gameday, in the meantime, enjoy the games on Tuesday.