I had put in quite a bit of work to produce some pieces in detail ahead of the resumption of the Champions League, but life got in the way and stuff happens. So quickly, my picks for the four knockout matches this week.
Atletico 1 Liverpool 1
I agree with many who predict Liverpool to win the tie on aggregate. Liverpool are the superior team, but I think Atletico have it in them to still produce a performance above themselves and display resilience at home. While Diego Simeone’s allure has reduced, he still hasn’t lost a home knockout tie with Atletico in the Champions League.
Dortmund 2 PSG 2
Deep in my heart, I actually believe this could even be 4-4! Such is the attacking power on display here. For me, the defining battle is how PSG’s defence will cope with the threat of Haaland, Sancho and Hakimi. I can say with confidence that Neymar, Mbappe and co. will score against this Dortmund defence.
Spurs 2 Leipzig 1
I think Leipzig are better as a team, but one of the truths of Champions League knockout ties is that there is a lot of scope for the lesser side to win and history is evidence of that. It is after all Leipzig’s first knockout tie in this competition. Going back a couple of years Spurs played Juventus off the park and still lost. I get the feeling Spurs might do the reverse of that to Leipzig.
Atalanta 1 Valencia 1
This is a head over heart prediction. At their best, I do believe Atalanta can play Valencia off the park. But Valencia qualified for the last 16 with a win away at Ajax, which is no mean feat. As glorious as Atalanta’s attack is, they can miss chances and misfire in random games. Valencia, despite being average for most of the season, have actually shown up in most of their big games.