UEFA Champions League returns this Tuesday, picking up where we left off in last week’s write-ups. In this preview, we focus on two crucial second-leg play-off clashes, with all four teams battling for a spot in the round of 16.
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the latest outright odds. Liverpool lead the race as favourites at 4/1, followed closely by defending champions, Real Madrid at 5/1. Arsenal and Barcelona are not far behind at 6/1, while the remaining contenders are priced at 7/1 or higher.
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AC MILAN v FEYENOORD – Click here to bet
AC Milan will be looking to overturn a first-leg deficit when they host Feyenoord at the San Siro on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League. The Rossoneri suffered a 1-0 defeat in Rotterdam but will take confidence from their strong home record in European competition, having won three of their four home fixtures in the Champions League this season. With the tie finely poised, Sérgio Conceição’s side will be eager to deliver a commanding performance in front of their home supporters. AC Milan are coming off a 1-0 win against Verona over the weekend, placing Sérgio Conceição’s side seventh in Serie A at present.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, employed a smart tactical approach in the first leg, securing a narrow 1-0 victory despite appointing interim head coach Pascal Bosschaart just before the tie. This move followed the surprise departure of former head coach Brian Priske, who had achieved impressive results in Europe but struggled with consistency and progress on the domestic front in recent months. Their decision to take the risk paid off last week, but they will need another resolute display in Milan to progress. Domestically, the Dutch club played out a goalless draw against NAC in their latest Eredivisie outing over the weekend, leaving them fourth in the league standings. They will be hoping to maintain their defensive solidity on the road in the hopes of completing the job at the San Siro.
Head-to-Head
This will be just the fourth meeting between the two clubs in European competition, with Feyenoord holding a narrow advantage, having won two of the previous encounters, including last week’s 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Betting
AC Milan 40/85
Draw 4/1
Feyenoord 11/2
Verdict
AC Milan’s strong home form in Europe should give them a lifeline heading into this second leg. However, Feyenoord have demonstrated their ability to frustrate opponents, as seen in the first tie. Another disciplined outing from the visitors could make things difficult for the hosts. That said, Milan’s need to respond should see them take control of the game, potentially replicating Feyenoord’s dogged performance showed last week.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams To Score, No at 19/20
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BAYERN MUNICH v CELTIC – Click here to bet
Bayern Munich will look to finish the job when they host Celtic at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday. The Bavarians secured a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture in Glasgow last Wednesday. And will be confident of progressing, given their impressive form. . Additionally, Bayern have been formidable at home in Europe this season, boasting the best home record in the Champions League, winning all four of their matches at the Allianz Arena while conceding just three times overall. Vincent Kompany’s side are currently on a six-match unbeaten run, winning five and drawing once. Their latest result saw them claim a crucial point away to nearest rivals Bayer Leverkusen, keeping them firmly in control at the top of the Bundesliga with an eight-point lead. Additionally, Bayern have been formidable at home in Europe this season, boasting the best home record in the Champions League, winning all four of their matches at the Allianz Arena while conceding just three times overall.
Despite their domestic dominance, Celtic’s European campaign is at risk following their disappointing first-leg defeat to Bayern, which ended their three-match winning streak. Brendan Rodgers has urged his side to be bolder in their approach for the second leg in Munich. Especially after their spirited performance in the latter stages of the first tie, where they secured a crucial goal to keep them in the contest. However, Celtic have struggled away from home in the Champions League this season, failing to secure a single victory on the road. They have drawn twice and lost twice, including a heavy 7-1 defeat against German opposition earlier in the campaign when they faced Borussia Dortmund. Encouragingly, the Hoops responded well over the weekend, thrashing Dundee United 3-0 in the Scottish Premiership, ensuring they remain top of the standings ahead of fierce rivals Rangers.
Head-to-Head
Bayern Munich have historically had the upper hand in this fixture. Following their 2-1 victory in the reverse encounter last week, the Bavarians have now won four of their last five meetings with Celtic in European competition. The German side has also dominated this fixture at home, winning both of their Champions League encounters against Celtic.
Betting
Bayern Munich 1/6
Draw 8/1
Celtic 14/1
Verdict
Having already tasted defeat against German opposition this season, I struggle to see Celtic overturning the deficit this week. The Hoops were fortunate to secure a goal in the latter stages of last week’s tie and will likely find it difficult to replicate that in Munich. Bayern should control the game from the outset, and I’ll back them to secure a clinical victory in Germany.
Suggested Bet: Bayern Munich To Win to Nil, Yes at 21/20
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
