The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg fixtures continue on Wednesday night with several crucial encounters that will determine who advances to the quarterfinals. We take a closer look at three of the standout ties from a betting perspective below.
Barcelona vs Newcastle United – Click here to bet
First Leg Recap
Barcelona travelled to England for the first meeting and came away with a disappointing result after playing out a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United. The Spanish side return home knowing that a victory in front of their supporters would be enough to secure qualification.
Recent Form
Barcelona have produced a series of strong performances across domestic and cup competitions. They most recently dismantled Sevilla with an emphatic 5-2 victory after edging Athletic Bilbao 1-0 away from home. Prior to that they comfortably overcame Atletico Madrid with a 3-0 success in cup action and defeated Villarreal 4-1 in LaLiga.
Newcastle arrive with mixed results but remain capable of producing big performances. They most recently secured an impressive 1-0 victory away to Chelsea and previously defeated Manchester United 2-1 at home in league action. However, they also suffered a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City in Cup competition and were edged 3-2 by Everton in the Premier League.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona hold the historical advantage in meetings between the sides. The club have claimed four victories while one encounter ended level and Newcastle have managed a single win. Prior to their first leg meeting Barcelona came away with a 2-1 away win earlier on in the tournament.
Match Odds (1X2)
Barcelona: 1.57
Draw: 4.75
Newcastle United: 5.25
Verdict
Barcelona’s attacking quality and home advantage should prove decisive in this second leg. Newcastle remain dangerous on the counterattack, but the hosts have consistently produced goals in recent matches and should have enough class and flair to progress in what could be a high scoring encounter.
BET: Barcelona to Win & Over 2.5 Goals at 1.98
Liverpool vs Galatasaray – Click here to bet
First Leg Recap
Galatasaray stunned Liverpool in the opening meeting after securing a narrow 1-0 victory in Istanbul. That result leaves Liverpool needing to overturn the deficit at Anfield if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Recent Form
Liverpool’s recent results have been somewhat inconsistent, but they remain extremely dangerous at Anfield. They most recently shared the spoils with Tottenham in a 1-1 draw after previously defeating Wolves 3-1 in Cup action. The Reds also produced an entertaining 5-2 victory over West Ham and edged Nottingham Forest with a 1-0 success away from home.
Galatasaray arrive in confident mood following several positive results. They comfortably defeated Basaksehir 3-0 in league action and picked up a narrow 1-0 derby victory away to Besiktas before that. The Turkish team also progressed in Cup competition after defeating Alanyaspor 2-1 while producing a 3-1 win against the same opposition in the league shortly beforehand.
Head-to-Head
Galatasaray have historically enjoyed success in meetings between these clubs, claiming five victories compared to Liverpool’s single win while two matches have ended in draws. Before their last meeting Galatasaray also claimed a 1-0 home victory in the group stages
Match Odds (1X2)
Liverpool: 1.29
Draw: 6.50
Galatasaray: 9.00
Verdict
Liverpool will likely start aggressively in front of their home supporters as they attempt to overturn the first-leg deficit. Galatasaray have shown attacking threat in recent matches but the intensity of Anfield on European nights should see Liverpool to get the job done and I am backing them to do so without conceding a goal.
BET: Result and Both Teams to Score – Liverpool and No at 2.60
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Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid – Click here to bet
First Leg Recap
Atletico Madrid seized control of the tie in the first leg after producing a dominant performance to defeat Tottenham 5-2 in Spain. Spurs now face a massive challenge as they attempt to claw back the difference in front of their home supporters.
Recent Form
Tottenham have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. They most recently earned a 1-1 draw away to Liverpool but had previously suffered defeats against Crystal Palace and Fulham in the Premier League. Spurs also endured a heavy 4-1 loss against Arsenal during a difficult run of domestic form.
Atletico Madrid arrive in strong shape following solid results. They most recently secured a 1-0 victory over Getafe and had defeated Real Sociedad 3-2 in LaLiga before that. The Spanish side have also demonstrated their attacking capabilities with high-scoring victories against Espanyol and Club Brugge in recent weeks.
Head-to-Head
Atletico Madrid have dominated previous meetings between the clubs. The Spanish outfit have won both recorded encounters, including their commanding 5-2 victory in the first leg of this tie and a 1-0 triumph on the road when they met in 2016.
Match Odds (1X2)
Tottenham: 2.60
Draw: 3.75
Atletico Madrid: 2.60
Verdict
Tottenham are likely to push forward in search of goals which could leave space for Atletico Madrid to exploit on the counterattack. With both teams capable of producing attacking moments, this contest could provide plenty of action in terms of goals.
BET: Total Goals – Over 3.5 at 2.70
Odds correct at time of writing but subject to change.
