The interesting new format of the main phase of the Champions League has expectedly spilled over into exciting clashes in the playoff round, sportal.bg reported.
The first matches were played last week, and today and tomorrow we will witness the rematches. The first four of them are tonight, and the good thing is that none of them can be said to be decided as a final outcome.
The start is set by the seven-time trophy winner Milan at 7:45 p.m. The Italian giants are up against the wall because they are 0:1 behind Feyenoord after losing on away turf. This means that now the “rossoneri” must definitely win. Their task is not easy at all, because in the previous clash the Dutch were better. “Giuseppe Meazza” is also the only Bulgarian participation in the tournament, albeit indirectly, since Plamen Andreev will almost certainly be a reserve goalkeeper for Feyenoord. The winner of this duel will play in the round of 16 against Arsenal or Inter.
From 22:00 the remaining three second legs follow. Another famous participant in the competition - Bayern (Munich), enjoys a 2:1 lead over Celtic after a successful visit to Glasgow. However, the difference in the result is not enough for the Germans to be calm. Over the weekend the Bavarians disappointed with their uninspired performance against Bayer (Leverkusen) (0:0) in the Bundesliga, demonstrating football that their fans are not used to seeing. Brendan Rodgers' Scots are yet to win away from home in the Champions League this season, but they will certainly be motivated to pull off a surprise. Whoever advances will face Atletico Madrid or Leverkusen.
Benfica also has a goal advantage, coming after an away win. The minimal 1:0 over Monaco in France gives the Lisbon team an advantage, but there are many people who expect a serious fightback from the “Monegasques”. Benfica is on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, including one over Juventus in Turin. However, Monaco demonstrated what they are capable of over the weekend, after scoring seven goals against Nantes for the championship. During the Champions League campaign, the French have already punished serious rivals such as Barcelona and Aston Villa, which is why they are not to be underestimated at all. The team that ultimately prevails will have the bad luck to face Barca or Liverpool in the round of 16.
The last match is between Atalanta and Bruges. The Europa League champion is trailing 1:2 after a controversial penalty at the end. Recently, the team from Bergamo has been in a crisis of results, with only one win in six matches. The situation is similar for the Belgians, who failed to overcome the 14th in their championship, Sint-Truiden (2:2) over the weekend. The better of this pair goes to the round of 16 against Lille or Aston Villa.
Source: sportal.bg