We are getting closer and closer to the quarterfinals to arrive for the Champions League, as we’re about to cut things down to eight teams. Who will make it to the next round and keep their title hopes alive? Things are back this week and we have Champions League Round of 16 2nd leg picks for you to take a look at. This of course includes the huge battle between PSG and Real Madrid.
PSG and Real Madrid will be a thriller
• What: Champions League Round of 16 second leg • Who: PSG vs. Real Madrid • When: Wednesday, March 9 • Where: Madrid, Spain
It goes without saying, but PSG and Real Madrid will be a thriller when they meet on Wednesday night in Spain. PSG was able to come away with a 1-0 win in the first leg, as Kylian Mbappe put together a brilliant performance and scored the game-winner late in that one. As soon as he scored, social media went wild in celebrating his performance. His goal truly was out of this world.
Now, Madrid will hope that they can put on a show in front of their home fans. The stadium will be packed, as people can’t wait to welcome back Lionel Messi too. The Madrid fans had quite the rivalry with Messi from his days playing for Barcelona. You already know they’re going to be trolling him left and right from the moment the opening kick arrives for this matchup.
The pressure will be on Madrid to come away with a win, but Paris Saint-Germain also knows that they can’t afford a slip-up here either. With it widely expected that Mbappe will leave this summer, potentially to Madrid, this could be the last chance for PSG to win the Champions League with him on the team. The trio of Mbappe, Neymar Jr. and Messi has fans dreaming of a Champions League title.
According to the best rated sportsbooks, things really are close here, as PSG has been listed at +160 Vegas odds and Madrid is at +145. Things are incredibly close here, which should mean that this will be one heck of a matchup. In the end, though, we think that PSG will be able to do enough to move on with a close result. We’re going with PSG as our pick to win. Agree? Check out our soccer betting sites to get a wager in.
Manchester United is in desperate need of a win over Atletico Madrid
Meanwhile in the English Premier League, Manchester United is in desperate need of a win over Atletico Madrid when they meet on March 16. The two sides drew even at 1-1 at the Metropolitano last month, as an Anthony Elanga strike in the second half was able to match a terrific header from Joao Felix in the first half. It was a great game, but United was lucky to tie.
That’s because Atletico Madrid dominated the match from the opening whistle. They even had two shots go off the bar, including a wonderful shot from Antoine Griezmann. Now, things are headed to Old Trafford and the United fans are praying to the soccer Gods that this team can figure out a way to pull off a victory. The confidence for the team isn’t high, though.
That’s because United has suffered recent home disappointments against Southampton and Watford, tying both those matches. Then, the team suffered a 4-1 loss to Manchester City in the Derby as well. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice for MCFC in that United loss, as did Riyad Mahrez. The team’s defense continues to struggle and it’s tough to watch at times.
While the odds haven’t been released just yet, this really should be a fun and exciting game to watch between United and Atletico. The pressure will no doubt be on United, with Diego Simeone hoping to record a masterclass against them. Again, it will be close, but we’re going with United as our pick to win. That victory could end up coming in extra time too.
Lastly, Liverpool should cruise to a win over Inter when the two teams meet at Anfield this week. LFC took down the Milan side 2-0 in the first leg. It was a convincing performance, especially with it coming at the infamous San Siro. With things going back to England this time around, Liverpool has plenty of swagger on its side and they’ve got one foot in the quarterfinals.
All the pressure is on Inter for this one. Liverpool will look to just play its game and close things out in style. Guys like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson and more will be ready to make sure there are no big mistakes that open the door for Inter to somehow pull off an upset. It’d be a stunner if Liverpool doesn’t win.
Per the oddsmakers, the Reds have been set at -195. For Inter, they’re at +435. These numbers tell us that the experts have strong belief in Jurgen Klopp and his players to step up to the plate in this case and take care of business against the Serie A team in Inter. This is an easy decision for us, as Liverpool is our selection to record an impressive win.
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza.
Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race.
Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."