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

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer