After both Liverpool and Manchester City navigated their way to the Champions League quarter finals last week, it is the turn of Chelsea and Manchester United this week.
Holding a 2-0 advantage against Lille, Chelsea look well placed to join their Premier League compatriots. Ralf Ragnick’s side, on the other hand, still have work to do against Atletico.
Draws in the other two ties mean they are also finely poised, Ajax welcoming Benfica to the Johann Cruyff Arena and Villareal travelling to Juventus as the Round of 16 nears its end.
Ajax vs Benfica (Tuesday 8pm)
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Benfica more than held their own against Ajax in Portugal, Nélson Veríssimo’s side being good value in their pulsating 2-2 draw, especially in the second half.
They still couldn’t stop Sebastien Haller from scoring, though, the Ivorian recovering from sticking one past his own goalkeeper to take his tally to a remarkable 11 in 7 Champions League games.
Back at home, the four-time winners should have enough quality to get them over the line and into their first Champions League quarter final since the 2018/19 season.
SCORE PREDICTION: 3-1 (5-3 on aggregate)
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid (Tuesday 8pm)
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How did Manchester United escape the Wanda Metrapolitano with a draw?
Second best for much of the night, one quality move – and one surprising piece of suspect goalkeeping from Jan Oblak – allowed Anthony Elanga to net a vital equaliser.
As a result, the second leg is in the balance. Atletico certainly won’t fear their opponents. Fresh from a hat-trick at the weekend, however, they will once again need to be aware of the threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
This one really could go either way.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1 (1-2 AET – 2-3 on aggregate)
Juventus vs Villareal (Wednesday 8pm)
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What a Champions League debut Dusan Vlahovic enjoyed in Villareal.
Netting after just 32 seconds, it continued the talented Serbian’s fine start to his Juventus career.
Thereafter, however, his side were second best as Unai Emery’s Villareal showed great character to deservedly level the tie through Dani Parejo’s left-footed finish.
A tough task to go to Juventus and get a result, the Europa League champions will nonetheless be tough to beat.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate)
Lille vs Chelsea (Wednesday 8pm)
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Anchored by great performances from Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante, the latter of whom seems to come alive in the Champions League knockout stages, Chelsea were comfortable against Lille two weeks ago.
The French champions undoubtedly have quality that Thomas Tuchel’s side will need to be wary of, Renato Sanches in particular showing his ability at Stamford Bridge.
As long as Chelsea have the resources to get to France, however, progression should be assured.
