The ultimate legs of the Champions League Spherical of 16 are this week (you may catch protection of all of the motion on Paramount+, CBS Sports activities Community and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community), and whereas we do not have fairly the general identify energy of final week, we are able to a minimum of hope for extra drama. Of final week’s 4 matches, solely Actual Madrid getting previous RB Leipzig by an combination rating of 2-1 supplied a way of uncertainty.
The opposite matchups noticed our three winners (Manchester Metropolis, Bayern Munich, PSG) win by a median of three objectives. This week, now we have two matchups that enter the ultimate leg tied 1-1, whereas the opposite two are 1-0. The chance for drama and chaos exists, so how will issues play out? I do not know, however I am keen to fake I do.
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Arsenal vs. Porto
Date: Tuesday, March 12 | Time: 4 p.m. ET | Watch: Paramount+
I used to be shocked by how listless Arsenal appeared within the first leg of this matchup. I perceive they’re in a dogfight with Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however Arsenal managing solely seven photographs, with none on the right track, in a 1-0 loss to Porto seemingly got here from nowhere. When Galeno scored the game-winner in stoppage time, I needed to rub my eyes a bit to verify it was actual.
Can Porto pull off one other stunner? Possibly, however most likely not. Coming again house, I anticipate Arsenal will try and do rather more with their possession than within the first match. We all know Arsenal will want a minimum of two objectives to advance with out further time, and there is a good chance they’ll drive the purpose house even additional with three. The over feels just like the good play right here as a result of Arsenal wants objectives, and we will not rule out Porto pilfering one other one for themselves. The Decide: Over 2.5 (-160)
Barcelona vs. Napoli
Date: Tuesday, March 12 | Time: 4 p.m. ET | Watch: Paramount+
There’s excellent news and unhealthy information for Napoli. The excellent news is that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is again in Kvaradona type, scoring 4 objectives in Napoli’s final three matches. The unhealthy information is that whereas Napoli are but to lose beneath new supervisor Francesco Calzona (whose first match was the primary leg towards Barcelona), they’ve solely received two of their 5 matches and have allowed a purpose in all of them. Defensively, this crew nonetheless offers far too many alternatives to its opponent.
So, as we head again to Spain for the second leg tied 1-1, it is exhausting to not guess on a Barcelona crew that is been so stable at house this season, notably in assault. Barcelona have but to lose in any of their final eight matches throughout all competitions, scoring 2.32 objectives per match at house. Neither one among these groups is having the season it wished, however Barcelona are higher positioned to salvage a Champions League run. The Decide: Barcelona (-115)
Atlético Madrid vs. Inter Milan
Date: Wednesday, March 13 | Time: 4 p.m. ET | Watch: Paramount+
I get a little bit nervous when a guess feels too straightforward, and this guess feels too straightforward. Inter lead 1-0 after profitable the primary leg in Milan, however Atleti have been extraordinarily fortunate to get out of Italy solely down a purpose. Inter completed with 2.3 xG and put 5 photographs on the right track, however Jan Oblak was a brick wall. Positive, it is attainable Oblak might do the identical factor within the second leg, however even when he does, Atleti want to attain twice, and so they posed little menace within the first 90 minutes.
Which is nothing new. Madrid have received solely two of their final 9 matches, and people wins got here towards Las Palmas and Betis. Nothing towards these advantageous mid-table sides, however Inter have 13 straight and maintain a 16-point lead in Serie A. They’re fairly good! I am betting on that fairly good to proceed being fairly good. The Decide: Inter (+155)
Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV Eindhoven
Date: Wednesday, March 13 | Time: 4 p.m. ET | Watch: Paramount+
The very best guess right here can be on this match having the least viewers of any Spherical of 16 matchup, however this may be probably the most entertaining matchup. The primary leg was broad open, and whereas it could have completed 1-1, it might simply have been a 3-2 form of match. I am anticipating extra of the identical within the second leg.
PSV are straightforward to miss as a result of they are a Dutch crew that is not Ajax, however they’ve good gamers and loads of confidence. If you happen to’d managed to keep away from defeat in 27 straight matches, you’d be ok with your self, too. The distinction right here is that whereas PSV dominate their house league (their +67 purpose differential is 23 objectives higher than second place), they has allowed their opponent to attain a minimum of as soon as in 10 of 11 Champions League matches. I do not belief Dortmund practically sufficient on the defensive finish to guess on them getting a win right here, however I am fairly assured each of those groups will discover the web a minimum of as soon as. The Decide: Each Groups to Rating (-180)
|
League Play |
46-46 |
+2.30 |
|
Champions League |
5-7 |
-4.31 |
| General | 51-53 | -2.01 |