Another night of Champions League action beckons as four more elite European sides battle head-to-head under the floodlights with the aim of reaching the quarter-finals. Six of the last eight have already been decided, and tonight another two will progress to join them as current Champions Bayern Munich host Lazio and Diego Simeone’s Atletico side travel to London to face Chelsea.
Bayern Munich vs Lazio
Having lifted the trophy in August, Bayern will be desperate to get their hands back on the iconic trophy and would become only the second-ever side, after Real Madrid, to retain the Champions League. They are in a prime position to do so as barring a miraculous comeback from Italian side Lazio, they should see themselves safely through to the quarter-finals where a host of Europe’s biggest names await.
Lazio should not be taken lightly, however, as they went undefeated throughout the group stages and so Hansi Flick will ensure that his side are right up to the challenge. Bayern only have to look as far as their Bundesliga rivals to see the dangers that Lazio poses as The Eagles dispatched Dortmund 3-1 earlier in the tournament.
Lewandoski is the man to stop for Lazio
Since Flick took charge, Bayern have been an immovable object at home. They have won all six of their Champions League games at the Allianz Arena by a scoreline of 18-3. Lazio, on the other hand, have really struggled on the road in European competition having won just once in their last 15 Champions League away games. They are also winless in the last eight and if anything summarises the challenge that awaits them in Munich, it is that winless streak.
Robert Lewandowski is in the form of his life with the Polish striker netting 38 goals in just 34 appearances so far this season, and the Munich talisman will be hoping to add to that tally. Lazio will have to start quick and push high up the pitch if they are to impose themselves on this tie and that is why we are predicting a goal-fest.
Tips:
- Bayern Munich to Win: ⅓ - 888 Sport
- Over 3.5 goals: 21/20 - 888 Sport
- First Goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski: 15/8 – 888 Sport
Chelsea v Atletico Madrid
Thomas Tuchel has certainly made a mark since taking over at Stamford Bridge. The German will be determined to do the business in the Champions League this season having been at the helm at PSG as they lost out to Bayern Munich in the final of last season’s tournament. Tuchel made an instant impact with an incredible tactical display that saw them push aside Atletico Madrid 0-1 in the first league, and the Blues will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run under their new manager to 13 as they host Diego Simeone’s side.
The season got off to a flying start for Simeone and his men as they saw their lead at the summit of La Liga reach ten points with a game in hand in February. However, a draw and defeat to Levante just before losing as hosts to Chelsea has derailed their campaign somewhat. Their La Liga lead now sits at just four points and Atletico will be desperate to get their European campaign back on track at the expense of Chelsea.
A tough battle at Stamford Bridge to decide the winner
Chelsea have lost just once to Atletico in their five Champions League meetings at Stamford Bridge and the Blues have never been eliminated from a two-legged European tie having won the first leg away from home (13 occasions). That being said, Atletico have managed to qualify on 50% of the occasions they have lost the first leg, showing the battle and resolve instilled in this team and ultimately that this tie is far from over.
We are anticipating a cagey affair that will have fans from both sides sweating. Neither side are renowned for their goal-scoring prowess, so it will be a battle of the defences and Chelsea will be hoping that theirs holds out for 90 more minutes.
Tips:
- The Draw: 11/5 – 888 Sport
- Under 1.5 Goals: 7/4 – 888 Sport
- First Goalscorer: Luis Suarez – 19/5 888 Sport
