Champions League Predictions

By Arjun Chadha

TUESDAY

Atlético Madrid v PSV Eindhoven

On the surface, Atlético Madrid were expected to sweep past PSV, yet that assumption has been put on the back-burner leading up to Tuesday’s clash. A gritty goalless draw at the Phillips Stadion, emphasised by PSV’s ability to eke out the final 20 minutes with 10 men, showed PSV’s resilience. For the Rojiblancos, who have conceded just 20 goals in 41 matches this season, the real threat will come from tricky wingers Luciano Narsingh and the Belgian Maxime Lestienne, who was almost signed by Everton back in 2010. Atlético Madrid will view a place in the quarters as the bare minimum, whilst PSV, with this being their first knockout tie in the competition since 2007, are looking to make a shock. I think this will be a close tie, with the Madrid team eventually prevailing.


Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 PSV Eindhoven (2-1 aggregate)


Manchester City v Dynamo Kyiv

With a 0-0 draw at Norwich the latest in a dreadful run of form that has all but ended their title hopes, Manchester City will be looking to break new ground and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since their first appearance in the tournament in 2011-12. A 3-1 away win in the Olympic Stadium pretty much killed off the tie, with Yaya Toure’s 89th minute strike gifting City a precious 3rd away goal. For Dynamo Kyiv, to even get this far considering they were up against Portuguese giants Porto is an exceptional effort. I think Kyiv will prove stern opposition on Tuesday night, but the two-goal deficit is ultimately too hard to get past.


Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Dynamo Kyiv (4-2 aggregate)

WEDNESDAY

Barcelona v Arsenal

Does anyone seriously think Arsenal will go through? Despite being ‘in the game’ for the
majority of the first leg, a Messi double effectively condemned Arsenal to a 6th successive exit at the round of 16. Arsenal do have a tendency to perform well  away in the Champions League in big matches (Monaco 0-2 Arsenal last season, Bayern Munich 1-1 Arsenal 2013-14, Dortmund 0-1 Arsenal 2013-14, Fenerbahce 0-3 Arsenal 2013-14, Bayern Munich 0-2 Arsenal 2012-13) yet always seem to miss out. I fear that this time, a heroic victory against the odds is not going to happen. Barcelona have just too much power for Wenger’s side.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal (5-1 aggregate)

Bayern Munich v Juventus

For me, the standout tie of the remaining second round fixtures. This would be an entertaining final on its own, with stars alike on both teams. The tie is on the balance at 2-2, although Bayern do possess the two away goals in their favour. For Juventus to even be in the tie at all is testament to their endurance and self-belief - Stefano Sturaro’s toe-poke putting them in the tie. Potentially Pep Guardiola’s last European match in charge of Bayern, so he will be hoping that this is not the case, and that Bayern can squeak out a narrow win to progress. Whilst I personally would love Juventus to prevail, Bayern are imperious at home, with just two losses there all season. I see nothing but Bayern to go through.


Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Juventus (5-3 aggregate)