Upcoming Champions League quarter-finals: thrilling encore required to determine the subsequent phase
Starting from March 5th, the round of 16 return matches of the Champions League kick off. Several matches are still up in the air after narrow results. Unfortunately, all three German teams struggled in the initial legs. Can they flip the script and secure a spot in the quarterfinals? Let's examine the chances and betting odds in this preview.
Can Bayern Munich find the back of the net against Lazio Rome?
Bayern Munich will square off against Lazio Rome in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League [link]. Lazio Rome emerged victorious in the first leg with a 1:0 scoreline. Bayern needs to win by at least two goals to move forward to the Champions League quarterfinals.
Bookmakers expect a Bayern win:
- Bayern win: 1.27
- Lazio Rome win: 11.00
- Draw: 5.75
- Bayern to advance: 1.26
- Lazio Rome to advance: 2.85
Bayern Munich is dealing with numerous injuries, including Kingsley Coman, 27, Noussair Mazraoui, 26, and Leroy Sané, 28. Sané is reportedly back in training, but it's uncertain if he'll be fit for the Champions League match.
Dayot Upamecano, 25, is suspended, as he was sent off in the first leg and will be unavailable for the return match.
Bayern Munich received an additional blow: due to fan misconduct in the first leg in Rome, UEFA has banned Bayern fans from the next away game. If Munich advances, they will have to face the away game without their support.
Can RB Leipzig topple Real Madrid?
RB Leipzig will lock horns with Real Madrid on March 6th. After Real Madrid's 1:0 victory in the first leg, Leipzig must now assert themselves at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Bookmakers predict Real Madrid's advancement is likelier:
- RB Leipzig win: 5.50
- Real Madrid win: 1.55
- Draw: 4.50
- RB Leipzig to advance: 1.12
- Real Madrid to advance: 5.50
Leipzig is enjoying a good run, registering a convincing 4:1 defeat of VFL Bochum over the weekend. The practice match before the Champions League match proved successful.
Against Bochum, coach Marco Rose, 47, decided to rest some players for the Champions League return leg. The players are determined:
We are aware that we are facing a strong, compact team in Real, who hold a 1:0 lead going into this game. However, I have confidence in our team.– Xavi, Midfielder, RB Leipzig
Leipzig must win by at least two goals to directly progress to the Champions League quarterfinals. A one-goal margin could lead to a penalty shootout.
Will Bayern Munich dig themselves out of their predicament?
For Bayern Munich, the return match against Lazio Rome holds significant importance. This season, Bayern is grappling with a major crisis. After losing 0:1 to Lazio Rome in the first leg, the possibility of getting eliminated from the Champions League is now looming. Bayern has already been eliminated from the DFB-Pokal and failed to win the Supercup at the beginning of the season.
Veteran Bayern star Thomas Müller, 34, remains resilient ahead of the return leg against Lazio Rome:
It's going to be intense on Tuesday, with heart and mind. Let's give it our all! Maintaining discipline despite our excitement will be crucial. Regardless of when we score our goals – at the start or in the middle of the second half – the scoreboard doesn't care.– Thomas Müller, Forward, FC Bayern Munich, Southwest Press**
Just recently, Bayern Munich's management announced that Thomas Tuchel would bid farewell from his coaching position at the end of the season. Many news outlets speculate whether Tuchel may resign prematurely if his team fails to advance in the Champions League.
The Munich club faces the prospect of a title-less season for the first time since 2012, following a series of sporting setbacks.
What led to Borussia Dortmund's draw against PSV?
A week later, Borussia Dortmund will face PSV Eindhoven in the return leg on March 13th. With the 1:1 draw in the first leg, every possibility remains in this match.
Bookmakers support Dortmund:
- Borussia Dortmund win: 2.20
- PSV Eindhoven win: 3.00
- Draw: 3.70
- Borussia Dortmund to advance: 1.66
- PSV Eindhoven to advance: 2.15
However, Dortmund's recent form has been indeterminate. Edin Terzić's team emerged victorious 2-0 gegen Union Berlin at the weekend, but prior to that, they suffered defeats to TSG Hoffenheim and drew with Wolfsburg 1-1.
Various media outlets report that the club has already started looking for Terzić's replacement. An early exit from the Champions League could heighten the debate further.
Other return matches
The return legs of the Round of 16 will be played over four matchdays: March 5 and 6, and March 12 and 13. Apart from the German matches, Champions League fans can look forward to other thrilling encounters.
- RéAL Sociedad – Paris Saint-Germain: RéAL Sociedad (2.55), Match Tie (3.30), Paris Saint-Germain (2.70)
- Manchester City – FC Kopenhagen: Manchester City (1.15), Match Tie (8.50), FC Kopenhagen (17.50)
- Arsenal FC – FC Porto: Arsenal FC (1.26), Match Tie (6.00), FC Porto (11.50)
- FC Barcelona – SSC Napoli: FC Barcelona (1.75), Match Tie (3.90), SSC Napoli (4.33)
- Atlético Madrid – Inter Milan: Atlético Madrid (2.75), Match Tie (3.30), Inter Milan (2.55)
The tight outcomes from the initial legs have spectators buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming matches. The drawing for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will occur on March 15th.
While we wait for the quarterfinals draw on March 15th, let's venture into the world of online casinos and check out some exciting games. If you're in Germany, you might want to explore 'online casinos Germany' to find a suitable platform for you.
After the internal challenges Bayern Munich is facing in the Champions League, some fans might be looking for other ways to support their favorite team. Gambling on Bayern's chances to advance in the tournament could be an option, and online casinos offer various betting markets for soccer enthusiasts. Just be sure to gamble responsibly and enjoy the experience!
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