UEFA Champions League Round of 16: 2nd Leg Part 2 Odds, Predictions

Only eight clubs remain whose fates have not been determined. Dreams of European glory are on the line on Tuesday and Wednesday, as some teams will cling to leads, others attempt dramatic comebacks, while others find themselves in a deadlock.

As a reminder, since last season UEFA no longer employs the away goals rule. This means that if any two teams are level on goals but one side has scored more on the road, the game goes to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. Prior to last season, a team with more away goals would have gone through to the next stage.

Check out our Champions League odds page for all the action.

And now, let’s get into the action.

Tuesday, March 14: FC Porto vs Inter Milan

The action sets its sight on the Estadio do Dragao in Portugal for the return leg of what has been a tricky tie to assess. Three weeks ago the sides played to the tune of a 1-0 victory for Internazionale. Fan favourite Romulu Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 86^th minute, although that was largely aided by Porto’s Otavio’s red card in the 78^th. Both sides had just as many shots on target (4) and the possession was 60 per cent in favour of Inter.

Porto head back into Champions League action after a wacky win at home over the weekend versus struggling side Estoril. Lead changes, a red card, and two penalties characterized what ended up being a far more difficult game than the second-placed side was hoping for with European action on the horizon. Marko Grujic (ninth), André Franco (31^st), and Mehdi Taremi (73^rd, penalty) all netted for the hosts, but it was a nervy affair as Estoril battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 down.

Inter Milan didn’t do much to convince pundits over the weekend that they are any better than second in Serie A, lightyears behind leaders Napoli. Away to Spezia, Simone Inzaghi’s ensemble was provided plenty of opportunities to take an early lead and control the match, but Lautaro Martinez’s first-half penalty was saved. Martinez would be denied yet again later on a partial breakaway. Spezia is like a wounded animal given their risk of relegation and eventually pounced on what few opportunities the football gods gave them, shocking Inter 2-1.

Prediction: FC Porto 1-1 Inter Milan (Inter advance 2-1 on aggregate)

Tuesday, March 14: Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

A tie that felt as if it could be lopsided given the relative talent discrepancy was anything but in the first leg. RB Leipzig held mighty Manchester City to a 1-1 draw. Riyad Mahrez’s opener in the 27^th minute was cancelled in the 70^th when Josko Gvardiol levelled terms for the German side.

City is doing what it needs to in the Premier League, which is all a fanbase can ask from a club in second place. Just win as much as possible and hope the team above you in the standings blinks. Arsenal didn’t blink, but Pep Guardiola’s guided his team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. The scoreline should have been more emphatic considering the unspeakable number of quality scoring chances City had. They either sent the ball high, wide, or forced the Palace keeper into making great saves. None other than superhuman Erling Haaland would finally score on a penalty in the 78^th minute.

RB Leipzig’s hopes of Bundesliga glory are hanging by a thread. They trail giants Bayern Munich by only seven points, but that’s often more than enough for the Bavarians. In order to keep their hopes alive, a win against the delightfully named Borussia Monchengladbach was imperative. It was a relatively easy day for the hosts. After a tight, scoreless first half, rejuvenated Timo Werner got things rolling in 58^th minute before Emil Forsberg (71^st, penalty), and Josko Gvardiol (80^th) put the game beyond doubt, 3-0.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 RB Leipzig (City advance 4-1 on aggregate)

Wednesday, March 15: Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt

The favourites to win the Serie A, Napoli did in its first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt what it’s done so often this season: score goals, look good doing so, and not concede much if anything. The 2-0 victory away was another feather in Luciano Spalletti’s cap. The manager has done terrific work this season.

Speaking of which, Napoli welcomed Atalanta at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona over the weekend. To say that the visitors were not up to the task would be putting it mildly. The 2-0 final score flattered Atalanta, who could have gone down by much more. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s great season continued when he broke a scoreless draw in the 60^th minute, and Amir Rrahmani sent a header just out of the Atalanta keeper’s reach in the 77^th.

A Bundesliga side can’t access the following year’s Champions League bracket by finishing lower than fourth. Frankfurt is currently sixth, a good five points out of the coveted final spot. They didn’t help their cause much this past weekend when relegation-threatened  VfB Stuttgart held them to a 1-1 draw. It looked as though the hosts had the upper hand when Sebastien Rode scored in the 55^th, but a defensive lapse allowed Silas Katompa Mvumpa in the 75^th minute to help his side a point

Prediction: Napoli 2-1 (Napoli advance 4-1 on aggregate)

Wednesday, March 15: Real Madrid vs Liverpool

There was so much potential surrounding this tie. Fans were excited, regardless of whether they supported these two clubs or were neutrals. After 90 minutes of play at Anfield in the first leg, it’s pretty much been decided.

Not for the first time this season, Liverpool was involved in a hypnotically high-scoring game. They battered Bournemouth 9-0 and hated rivals Manchester United 7-0, but this one went against them. After claiming a 2-0 advantage and looking good in the process, Real Madrid took the reins, scoring five unanswered and are heading to the Bernabéu up 5-2.

Real own the Champions League tournament. Not literally, but historically they are an outstanding European side. They may need to count on continental glory to make it a memorable season as they trail Barcelona by a discouraging nine points in domestic league action. Their latest Liga contest put them against Espanyol, who took a shock 1-0 lead in the 8^th minute through some brilliant passing. Carlos Ancelotti’s side responded with a trio of goals (Vinicius Junior in the 22^nd, Èder Militao in the 39^th, and Marco Asensio in the third minute of added time of the second half). Madrid wins 3-1.

Liverpool showed no signs that the 7-0 drubbing of Man United a week prior blew any significant wind in their sails. After all the hoopla over that victory (a historic final score, no doubt), Jurgen Klopp’s men were flat and mostly uninspired at Bournemouth. Chances were created, sure enough, and star Mohamed Salah was awarded a penalty. He sailed it wide by a considerable margin, which spoke ill of which direction the game was going for them. Bournemouth surprise Liverpool 1-0, although it’s arguable as to whether these results are surprising anymore.

Prediction: Liverpool show pride and win 2-1 (Real Madrid advance anyways, 6-4 on aggregate)