Real Madrid vs Manchester City & Lyon vs Juventus - Champions League Preview
Tonight, the Champions League Round of 16 promises drama ahead of two huge European clashes.
Here’s a look into tonight’s fixtures from the Round of 16 and my prediction for which teams are most likely to progress to the quarter-finals.
Lyon vs Juventus
This is a tie which at first glance looks heavily favoured towards Juventus, considering they are top of Serie A. Meanwhile, Lyon are struggling in a far less competitive league in Ligue 1.
However, Sarri hasn’t convinced as Juventus manager and if he does leave out players like Dybala again, then Lyon might just fancy their chances.
Juventus haven’t looked formidable this season; they have at times looked vulnerable and inconsistent results support this.
Lyon have had a much weaker season though and they will be relying heavily on Moussa Dembele to cause Juventus’ defence problems and make the difference.
Ultimately, with Ronaldo in their team, a serial winner on the big stage and an all-round stronger squad, Juventus will be too much for Lyon.
Juventus to progress
Juventus have had a steady season under Sarri, despite sitting top of Serie A. Whilst Lyon find themselves in seventh in what has turned out to be a poor season for them in their domestic league.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
This really is the definition of saving the best to last, this game between two huge modern-day European giants has so much riding on it.
With the recent news of Manchester City’s two-year Champions League ban for breaching FFP rules, an extra layer of spice was added to this already tasty tie.
Winning the Champions League this season could be the last chance for Pep Guardiola to win it as Manchester City manager and the last for a group of players that have won virtually everything else together.
It is an incredible team who have blown the Premier League away in recent years, reaching new heights.
This would be the icing on the cake for Pep in his time at City and if the ban is upheld, then winning it this year would make the ban an easier pill to swallow.
While Real Madrid have their own motivation, similarly to Man City this has been an inconsistent season but for a side like Real, trophies are essential, and the Champions League is their biggest priority.
Zidane has, like Guardiola, won this competition multiple times before with Real Madrid and he’ll be expected by the board to win it again this year.
However, I think this has become a nightmare draw for them against an already brilliant Manchester City side who now have more motivation than ever before.
Manchester City to progress
This fixture will be an interesting affair as the Premier League’s top scorers take on La Liga’s lowest conceding side.
What do you think?
Have your say in the comments section below!
Article by: Harry Dunnett
Edited by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images from: Getty Images, Footy Renders and Real Madrid