CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Champions League Matchday: 10 Best Predictions Of Today

The final round of Champions League league phase fixtures are staged on Wednesday evening as Europe’s elite look to end their campaign on a high.

All 36 teams have played seven matches each thus far and many remain uncertain of their fates heading into this week’s round of chaos. Whether fighting for automatic passage to the last 16 or simply a knockout play-off berth, much will be decided for the competition’s participants midweek.

This year’s revamped spectacle has rarely failed to inspire and here is how 90min believes Champions League Matchday 8 will pan out.

Most eyes will be on Manchester City this Wednesday. The 2022/23 European champions could be eliminated following a torrid campaign but know that victory at home to Club Brugge will secure their place in the play-off round. The Belgians are 20 matches without defeat and will be seeking to pull off an almighty upset knowing a loss at the Etihad Stadium could eliminate them.

Plenty will be keeping close tabs on Paris Saint-Germain, too. They are the other European giants on the precipice after some underwhelming results on the continent and they face the spirited Stuttgart in their final encounter. A draw would be enough for the French behemoths to reach the play-off round but their German opposition may need victory to secure their berth depending on results elsewhere.

Things are comparatively nerve-free for Liverpool, who currently lead the standings with their perfect record intact. The Reds need just a point to guarantee top spot and are already certain to reach the last 16, with a clash against PSV Eindhoven on the horizon. The Dutch side are yet to ensure their place in the knockout phase but are unlikely to be eliminated.

Barcelona are in a similar position to the current Premier League leaders having confirmed their last 16 place last week. Victory for La Blaugrana on Wednesday and defeat for Liverpool would see the Catalan giants jump into first. A visit from Atalanta lies in wait as the Italian side look to remain in the top eight.

Barceona’s Clasico rivals have far more to play for, however. Real Madrid journey to French overperformers Brest in their final outing and could yet make the top eight, even if it’s highly improbable at this stage. Still, they will be seeking a handsome win to finish as high as possible.

Los Blancos’ city foes Atletico Madrid are almost certain to feature in the last 16 and just need to beat struggling Salzburg to avoid the play-offs. It’s the same story for Milan, who face Dinamo Zagreb in their final outing.

Only a freak set of results would deny Arsenal progression to the last eight and they will fancy their chances of finishing with a win at already eliminated Girona. 2022/23 finalists Inter are in a similar position to the Gunners ahead of their clash with Monaco.

Bayer Leverkusen are among the favourites to finish in the top eight as they conclude the league phase at home to Sparta Prague. They could be joined by Aston Villa, who host fellow Britons Celtic on Matchday 8. The Villans and Xabi Alonso’s reigning German champions will be hoping that Barcelona beat Atalanta.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are all guaranteed play-off spots but the odds are stacked against them as they pursue a top eight finish. All three do finish with winnable home fixtures, however.

Fixture & Prediction

Aston Villa vs Celtic 2-1

Barcelona vs Atalanta 4-2

Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague 3-0

Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava 5-1

Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1

Brest vs Real Madrid 1-3

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan 0-2

Girona vs Arsenal 0-2

Inter vs Monaco 1-0

Juventus vs Benfica 1-1

Lille vs Feyenoord 2-2

Man City vs Club Brugge 3-1

PSV vs Liverpool 1-1

Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid 0-2

Sporting CP vs Bologna 2-0

Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig 1-3

Stuttgart vs PSG 1-1

Young Boys vs Red Star Belgrade 0-1

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Guardiola admits tough task as Manchester City draw Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Champions League play-offs

EXPOSED! Pep Guardiola 'Secretly Discussing' Huge Job After Man City Exit

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the significant challenge his Manchester City side faces after being drawn against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs.

City secured their place in the play-offs with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions were on the brink of elimination but mounted a comeback with goals from Mateo Kovacic, an own goal by Joel Ordonez, and a strike from Savinho.

Reacting to the draw, Guardiola admitted that both potential opponents currently have the upper hand over City.

“Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really tough,” Guardiola said. “They are better than us right now, both of them, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks.”

The City boss, however, remained optimistic, highlighting the potential return of key players, including Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, Jérémy Doku, and Oscar Bobb, which he believes could bolster their chances.

“We have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do two good games,” Guardiola added.

The first leg of the play-offs is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with City looking to assert their dominance on the European stage after winning the competition in 2023.