How does one react to two nights of Champions League football defined by mayhem? Wasim Parkar gives kudos to those who pulled off the miracles amidst the bedlam, but also wonders whether these matches were defined by the flaws of the vanquished moreso than the virtues of the winners.
To many, the second legs of this week’s Champions League ties seem done and dusted. Wasim disagrees and outlines why the matches have a lot to offer and ponders whether the state of mind of the protagonists involved may prove to be decisive.
When February gives way to March, the decisiveness of encounters has greater weight in the top five leagues. In the midst of rising pressure, these are the games I am looking forward to this weekend.
It truly is a fantastic weekend of football. A cup final between two big teams and big games with big implications feature.
There is a lot at stake in what many consider the biggest game in English football. Wasim looks ahead to Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford and focuses on some of the factors he believes will be key in the big game.
Atletico Madrid rolled back the years as Diego Simeone’s men delivered on a night of passion and electricity at the Wanda. Wasim analyzes the key factors in Atleti’s win while trying to understand why Juve were so poor.
City may have already their used their get out of jail free card in the first leg of their round of 16 clash with Schalke. Wasim finds himself agreeing with Pep’s words and tries to come up with a solution for City’s genuine problem position.
After a game that flattered to deceive, Wasim gives his thoughts on Lyon and Barcelona and wonders whether the Spanish champions have a midfield problem.
It may not have lived upto expectations, but Wasim still shares plenty of thoughts on the stalemate at Anfield.
It’s probably overshadowed by the more illustrious ties in the Champions League Round of 16, but Wasim thinks there is a lot to be excited by the clash between a dangerous Lyon side and an off-colour Barcelona.
Liverpool take on Bayern Munich for the first time in the modern era of the Champions League. Wasim looks at the tactics, form and key influences in this mouth-watering European tie.
England is preoccupied with the FA Cup this weekend, but there are important games in the other major European leagues. I’ll be keenly following these fixtures.
Fifth hosts fourth in a crucial battle for Champions League qualification as Atalanta welcome Milan in Serie A. Wasim highlights the threats that both teams possess and the tactics that are likely to be decisive in the game.
It may not have the stature of the Champions League, but there are plenty of good teams in the Europa League who have a lot riding on the tournament. Wasim analyzes the chances of the teams from the big five leagues and looks at the teams that pose the biggest threat outside that group.
Spurs ended up convincing winners against Dortmund at Wembley in a match that provided plenty of talking points. Wasim debates Lucien Favre’s team selection and analyzes how some of Tottenham’s seasoned campaigners made subtle adjustments in the second half to lead their team to a famous victory.
A clash between European aristocrats lived up to the billing as Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid delivered a compelling tie. Wasim looks back at Ajax’s enterprising approach while also praising the defending champions for their unnerving ability to ride out a storm and rise to the occasion.
Nicolo Zaniolo announced his arrival on the big stage as he highlighted Roma’s 2-1 win over Porto in a nervy Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie. Wasim analyzes the tactics from the game and wonders if there is room for both teams to do better when the tie heads to the Dragao in three weeks time.
Wasim looks back on PSG’s commanding 2-0 win at Old Trafford. In analyzing the decisive factors, there is praise for Marco Verratti, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva. Could United have done anything different, or was there simply too big a chasm in quality and European experience between the two teams?
Two teams with a progressive style of football that provide ample opportunites to youth. Two teams that can take your breath away with outstanding attacking football, yet equally capable of shooting themselves in the foot with unpredictable errors. Wasim looks at tactics and other factors ahead of the enthralling clash between Tottenham Hotspurs and Borussia Dortmund.
A match filled with European history has the neutrals enticed. Wasim looks at how Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid are shaping up ahed of their round of 16 clash. Can the young upstarts of Ajax cause a stir, or are Real peaking just in time for the business end of their favourite competition?
If ever there was a tie that epitomized the difference in narrative between December’s round of 16 draw and February’s resumption of Champions League action, it is United vs PSG. Can Solskjaer’s Red Devils carry their confident form on to the European stage against the injury-ravaged French champions? Wasim looks ahead to a fascinating game.
Roma and Porto have recent history in the Champions League. Wasim Parkar analyzes the form of both teams while identifying the tactics and personnel that may prove decisive in the first leg. Will Zaniolo shine on the biggest stage? Can Brahimi provide Porto the opportunites to get something in Rome?
February brings high stakes football and pressure as the business end of the season begins. Some crucial games this weekend and I’ll be keeping an eye on these.
With winter breaks done and dusted, its back to all 5 major leagues in action this weekend. There is so much to look forward to — especially these fixtures.
While we still await the resumption of league football in Italy and Germany, it’s all systems go in England, France and Spain. These are the ties I am looking forward to this weekend.