The first Champions League Round of 16 legs last week spared no surprises and big results. Real Madrid narrowly won away at Leipzig, while Man City all but assured their qualification by winning big at Copenhagen. On Wednesday, PSG took a big step towards the Quarters by beating Sociedad 2-0, while Bayern were stunned away to Lazio in one of the biggest surprises of the year so far. Will this week’s games give us more shocks? For more analysis and to play these and many other events, head over to CoinGames!
Inter Milan – Atletico Madrid, Stadio San Siro, Milan, Tuesday 21:00 CET
This is potentially the tie of the Round. These two sides have been on pretty stellar form so far this season, especially Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri have won a staggering 20 of their 24 games so far this season in Serie A. Atletico on the other hand have played better than in recent seasons, but still find themselves just fourth in La Liga, two points above fifth-placed Bilbao. Inter have one of the best defences in Europe this season, having only conceded 19 goals in over 30 games in all competitions this season. Atletico have conceded 26 just in the league – an average of over one goal per game. Two of Europe’s most in-form strikers are face off, as Martinez and Morata have been tearing it up for their respective sides. Ultimately, Inter play the first leg at home, so they should travel to the Metropolitano with a lead in their name. We suggest Inter to Score First at 1.50, while also an Inter Win at 1.68 is great value. For a riskier play, try Griezmann to score anytime (4.50), as Morata is carrying a knock and the Frenchman had five goals in the group stage.
Inter to Win – 1.68
Draw – 3.75
Atletico to Win – 5.33
PSV Eindhoven – Borussia Dortmund, Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Tuesday 21:00 CET
This is one of the most unpredictable ties in this Champions League round. While Dortmund perhaps surprisingly topped the Group of death, they haven’t been too convincing in the league, winning only half of their games. On the other hand, PSV came second in Group B behind Arsenal, but have been absolutely dominating the Eredivisie. The Dutch side have won an astounding 20 of their 22 games in the league, scoring 70 gaols in the process and conceding just 10. While the level in the Netherlands may not be as high as that of other major European leagues, that is still an unbelievable feat. And it is also the reason we give them the title of favourites in this game at home – while at Dortmund that might be a different story. Luuk De Jong is one of the best strikers in Europe, and Borussia’s defence has been average at best this season. We suggest an Over 3 at 1.86 as we predict goals in this fixture, as well as De Jong to score anytime (2.10) for a riskier play. A PSV win at 2.12 should also be considered if you have faith in the Dutch side.
PSV to Win – 2.12
Draw – 3.75
Borussia Dortmund to Win – 3.20
Napoli – Barcelona, Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Wednesday 21:00 CET
This should have been the most awaited tie of the round, but both sides have underperformed this season compared to the last one, where they rightfully won their respective leagues. Napoli has certainly been worse than Barcelona, currently sitting 9th in Serie A, but the Blaugrana have also regressed. Barca are eight points off top spot Real Madrid, and have already conceded 14 goals more than they did in all of last season. Napoli just sacked their coach Mazzarri, and this change could have unpredictable effects on this match. Osimhen is finally back after losing the AFCON final with Nigeria, and what a welcome return it is for Napoli, who have struggled for goals. Barcelona have not lost in four matches in the league, but they have also not payed any particularly strong teams in that period. This will be a tight contest that promises goals, as both teams will likely concede at least one. Playing a Napoli double chance is not a bad idea (1.50), while the Over 3 at 2.25 is a must.
Napoli to Win – 2.66
Draw – 3.50
Barcelona to Win – 2.57
Porto – Arsenal, Estadio do Dragao, Porto, Wednesday 21:00 CET
Along with Copenhagen- Manchester City, this is the most on-sided tie of the round. Porto have not been poor this season, but they have also not exceeded expectations, currently sitting third in the Liga Portugal, seven points behind rivals Benfica – who have not had the best European campaign themselves. Arsenal meanwhile are in a full-fledged title race with Man City and Liverpool. The Gunner have been on fire recently, winning five straight in the league and scoring an insane 21 goals in the process. Even though the first leg is in Portugal, Arsenal should have no problems advancing to the quarterfinals. Gabriel Jesus has been their most prolific player in Europe, so we back him to score again here, if you’re a fan of risks (3.50). An outirgjt Arsenal win at 1.71 is great value as well, and is highly recommendable.
Porto to Win – 5.00
Draw – 3.75
Arsenal to Win – 1.71