Match of the Day
After Tuesday’s entree, the Champions League main course is served up on Wednesday with an unmissable showdown in Madrid. Real Madrid hosts Manchester City in a high-stakes clash that could define the season for both clubs. Last week’s first leg at the Etihad Stadium was a mini-classic, with Los Blancos mounting a stunning comeback from 2-1 down to clinch a 3-2 victory in the dying moments. Jude Bellingham’s late winner handed Carlo Ancelotti’s side a slight advantage heading into the return leg. However, the stakes are even higher now, as a place in the Champions League last 16 is on the line. Real Madrid’s defensive lineup could receive a significant boost with the likely returns of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba. While Alaba may start on the bench, Rüdiger’s presence will provide a formidable challenge for Erling Haaland. On the other side, Manchester City also has defensive reinforcements in Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké, who are reportedly fit to play. Haaland, who has been a constant threat throughout the season, has trained and is expected to lead the line once again. With both teams boasting some of the best talent on the continent, this clash promises edge-of-the-seat drama and captivating football.
Team to Watch: Juventus
Have Juventus finally turned a corner under Thiago Motta? The former Barcelona and Inter midfielder was brought in last summer with the expectation of transforming the Old Lady from an uninspiring and predictable team under Massimiliano Allegri into a vibrant and dynamic outfit. Motta’s success with Bologna, where he turned the club into an attacking juggernaut in Serie A, was the primary reason for his appointment. However, the first half of the season was anything but smooth. Juventus became one of the most perplexing teams in Europe, going unbeaten in the first 20 weeks but drawing an astonishing 13 games. The arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, however, seems to have been the catalyst Juventus needed. The French international has provided a clear attacking fulcrum, and with Weston McKennie in excellent form providing support, Juventus looks more cohesive and threatening. Now, with a 2-1 lead from their first leg, the Bianconeri travel to PSV Eindhoven with a real chance to show that they are, indeed, back to their dominant best.
Player to Watch: Ousmane Dembélé
There is no denying that Ousmane Dembélé is currently the best player in Europe. Ever since his days at Rennes, the mercurial wide man has been known for his ability to mesmerize defenders and put fans on the edge of their seats. However, his career has been marred by a lack of consistency and end product. From his time at Borussia Dortmund to his ill-fated spell with Barcelona, Dembélé often annoyed supporters more than he amazed them. It seemed as though he was destined to be a brilliant technician rather than a truly impactful player. This season, however, the 27-year-old has elevated his game to new heights. He is not only showcasing his usual pace, trickery, and craft but has also added a level of calm and precision inside the penalty box, reminiscent of Thierry Henry. Paris Saint-Germain is reaping the benefits of this transformation, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dembélé add more goals to his impressive tally of 22 this season, especially in the crucial match against Brest.
Potential Upset: Borussia Dortmund vs. Sporting
The list of teams that have blown a three-goal lead or more in a two-legged Champions League tie is short and filled with memorable comebacks. In 2004, AC Milan’s 4-1 lead was overturned by Deportivo La Coruna. Barcelona experienced similar collapses against Roma in 2018 and then against Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Most recently, Liverpool famously overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat Barcelona in the 2019 semi-final. History is against Sporting as they travel to Borussia Dortmund after a 3-0 defeat in the first leg. However, if any team can pull off an improbable comeback, it’s this Dortmund vintage. The Schwarzgelben have been impressive in Europe this term, but their performances in the Bundesliga have been marred by occasional calamities. A recent 2-0 loss to bottom-dwelling Bochum, a team that had won only twice this season, is a stark reminder of their vulnerability. Nico Kovač’s side enters this play-off with low confidence and the possibility of making Champions League history staring them in the face.
Fascinating Stat: Real Madrid’s European Comebacks
If history is any indication, Real Madrid is almost certain to secure their place in the Champions League last 16. Their 3-2 win over Manchester City last week marks the 40th time Los Blancos have triumphed in a European first leg tie played away from home. Impressively, on 37 out of the previous 39 occasions, Real Madrid has progressed to the next round. The only exception was the infamous Ajax last-16 game in the 2018/19 season. This statistic underscores the Spanish giants’ resilience and pedigree in European competition. With a slight advantage and a strong defensive lineup bolstered by the potential return of Rüdiger and Alaba, Real Madrid will be aiming to add another chapter to their storied European history.
Previews of the Day: A Night of Champions
Wednesday’s Champions League action is packed with drama and potential history. The marquee match between Real Madrid and Manchester City is a must-watch, with both teams bringing top-tier talent and strategic depth. Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, will look to capitalize on their 2-1 lead against PSV Eindhoven, potentially signaling a resurgence of their attacking prowess. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé’s sensational form makes him a player to keep an eye on, as his contributions could be pivotal for Paris Saint-Germain. Lastly, Borussia Dortmund’s shaky form at home and their recent defensive lapses make their match against Sporting a potential upset, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling night of football. Each game promises to deliver its own unique narrative, making Wednesday a defining night in the 2023/24 Champions League.
