The teams that finished the new group stage format of the Champions League in standings places #9 through #24 have their knockout stage ties over the next two weeks, with the first four ties played on Tuesday, the remaining four on Wednesday, and then the second legs will be played the following week. The highlight of Tuesday’s matches is the last two winners of the Champions League facing off as 2024 Champions Real Madrid travel to Manchester to face the 2023 Champions, Manchester City. Defending finalist Borussia Dortmund takes on Sporting CP in Lisbon, while PSG faces Ligue 1 rivals Brest, and two time Champions league winners Juventus host PSV. Here is your preview and prediction for all of the matches.
PSG at Brest
A rare occasion where two domestic opponents face off in the Champions League, there’s not much mystery in this matchup as Ligue 1’s resounding league leaders PSG are heavy favorites against underdog side Brest. Brest must get off to a winning start at home if they are going to be competitive in this tie. PSG dominated Brest 5-2 in their recent league meeting and Brest is well below PSG in the Ligue 1 standings. PSG has won three consecutive matches against Brest and must maintain their focus in this matchup.
PSG added Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in the recently closed transfer window and he did score in their last outing, he may feature in this game, while Ousmane Dembele is the best player in France right now. PSG will look to pile on the goals and live nothing in doubt for the second leg. Prediction: PSG 3 Brest 0
Borussia Dortmund at Sporting CP
Sporting CP hosts the defending finalists Dortmund and they have a punchers chance at making the second leg competitive, despite being underdogs. Rui Borges is now managing Sporting CP, who have retained their squad despite losing their successful manager Ruben Amorim to Manchester United. European competition has been a bit of a challenge for Sporting in recent weeks, and they drew against domestic rivals Porto in their last match, as they continue to lead the Portugese Liga. Dortmund sit a shocking 11th in the Bundesliga, with just 1 win in their last 5 domestic matches. Dortmund’s European form has been average, as they have beaten sides they should on paper, but struggled against the top sides.
Sporting CP’s hopes may hinge on the fitness of star striker Viktor Gyokeres, while Dortmund’s new manager Niko Kovac will depend veterans like Marcel Sabitzer to see Dortmund through the first leg. Given this is Sporting’s home leg, they likely will start on the attack, and Dortmund’s current form makes them vulnerable, but a draw looks to be in the cards. Prediction: 1-1 Draw
PSV at Juventus
Juventus sit 5th in Serie A, this defensively sound side host the Dutch champions PSV, who are battling in their domestic league, and in Europe right now. The transfer of Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG has revitalized the Juventus attack, he’s already scored five goals for his new club. Juventus is missing two first choice defenders due to injury, PSV is missing US MNT talents Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi due to injury, on paper their side is at a disadvantage, but taking anything from the away leg will give them plenty of spirit when they host next week.
Juventus won 3-1 when they met earlier this season in the Champions League, that result feels fair for where these teams are right now. Prediction: Juventus 2 PSV 0
Real Madrid at Manchester City
Both teams dream of making yet another Champions League final, but this draw ultimately means that one will be sent home in the first knockout phase of the tournament. Manchester City sit 5th in the Premier League, and are fighting for their place in next year’s Champions League, and they only won 3 of 8 matches in the Champions League group stage. Still, hope springs eternal for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have been at a disadvantage against Real Madrid in their recent matchups.
Manchester City is facing a must win game at the Etihad if they are going to advance in Europe and keep their season relevant. Their hope stems from the fact Real Madrid is scrambling defensively due to injuries, the Spanish side drew in the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid to maintain their top position in La Liga on the weekend. With Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal out for the Spanish giants, Manchester City will look to heap the pressure on and build a lead in the first leg. The Real Madrid attacking trio of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe has been a bit disjointed at times this season but must fire in the knockout stages of the tournament if RM is going to advance. Manchester City’s backline is poor in their own right so this game could turn into a goalfest. Carlo Ancelotti has been able to absorb pressure against Pep’s sides in recent years, and though they will bend, I don’t think Manchester City can break Real Madrid in the first leg. Prediction: 3-3 Draw
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / Depositphotos
