Do-or-die time in UEFA
Real Madrid and Chelsea must prove their worth as Europe’s top clubs find themselves with their reputations on the line after poor home seasons.
The UEFA Champions League returns after a break of just over two months with the excitement of the knockout stages, and the do-or-die ties, starting Tuesday. None more so than the pairing of Paris St Germain and Real Madrid who have shown contrasting form in their respective domestic campaigns yet could produce a thriller over two legs.
Real, a shadow of their former selves this season, are the holders and have the Champions League left to salvage their season and possibly the job of tactician Zinedine Zidane, ironically voted the best coach in the world for 2017.
They are up against a PSG side rampant in the French league, with an overwhelming lead at the top of their league with Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar leading a devastating attack.
PSG will have bitter memories of last year’s competition and the way they let slip a massive lead to lose to Barcelona.
But TAB soccer punters will agree that if ever there was an opportunity for the Parisian club to finally join the list of European elite, it would be to send Real tumbling out of this year’s competition.
Barcelona, however, must be marginally favourites but under scrutiny next week when they go up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 20 February.
Lionel Messi continues to weave his magic and there are few TAB soccer pools players who tend to bet against him.
Chelsea are in something of a mini crisis with speculation swirling around the head of coach Antonio Conte, who looks ever more likely to be leaving at the end of the season.
But like Real, they might yet salvage their season on the back of Champions League success and the scalp of the dominant La Liga leaders.
Five English clubs in the last 16 is a new mark for the Champions League and solidifies the Premier League’s reputation as the top domestic championship in world football.
Liverpool, Manchester City and neighbours Manchester United will feel they should have be strong enough to advance but for Tottenham Hotspur it is a much tougher ask.
Spurs, fresh from Saturday’s derby win over Arsenal, meet Juventus away Tuesday in the first leg of their tie with the form of star striker Harry Kane key to the outcome.
Manchester City are also in action on Tuesday away at FC Basle of Switzerland while on Wednesday Liverpool play in the first leg of their tie at FC Porto.
Man Utd go to Sevilla on 21 February with high hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time in four years.