The deciding legs for Round of 16 Champions League fixtures are in the balance as European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City do battle against their less-fancied opposition.
While City look certain to go through, we think there might be a big upset on the cards!
Real Madrid v Atalanta
march 17th 7:00am
The 13-time European Champion Real Madrid welcome Atalanta to the Bernabeu on Wednesday morning grasping on to a 1-0 lead in its Round of 16 tie after victory at the Atleti Azzzuri d’Italia.
A straight red card to Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler turned the first leg in favour of Los Blancos as it dominated possession for the majority of the match.
It was a gallant effort by Gian Piero Gasperini and his men to hold on for so long but were left seething after an 86th minute winner was turned in by Madrid left back Ferland Mendy.
Having to face up with 10 men against any team is difficult enough, let alone the European powerhouse that is Real Madrid, however, Atalanta showed great determination and grit to mitigate the damage.
Madrid brings in a solid undefeated run in all competitions after a 2-1 come from behind victory against Elche in La Liga extended it to eight matches unbeaten.
A 3-1 win over Spezia in the Serie A is the form Atalanta brings into this game after a Mario Pasalic double helped seal the result.
The away record for Atalanta in the Champions League bodes well, having won its last five fixtures, while banging home 14 goals and only conceding three in the process.
Real Madrid will look towards the class of Karim Benzema who has scored four times in his five appearances during this Champions League campaign.
This Atalanta defence will not make it an easy time for Benzema as the back three tactic implemented by Gasperini will be used to full effect with 11 men on the pitch this time.
Despite Madrid having a sensational winning record against Italian opponents in recent history (11 wins from 12), Atalanta represent a new challenge.
It has all the makings of being a ‘David vs. Goliath’ type battle.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1 Atalanta 2
Suggested Bet: Atalanta head to head at $3.40
Suggested Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Atalanta head to head
Leg 2: Total goals scored over 2.5
Combined odds = $5
Manchester City vs. Borussia Monchengladbach
march 17TH 7:00Am
Manchester City take a cushy 2-0 lead over Borussia Monchengladbach ahead of their clash on Wednesday morning at the Etihad.
It was a relatively comfortable time for the Citizens in the first leg at Puskas Arena as they accounted for Monchengladbach courtesy of a 29th minute strike from Bernardo Silva and a 65th minute goal from Gabriel Jesus.
The task at hand for Monchengladbach is not made any easier by its current form slump where it has failed to manufacture a win in any competition for eight games.
A 2-1 win over Stuttgart on February 4 in the DFB-Pokal was the last time Marco Rose and his squad tasted victory.
Meanwhile, the Pep Guardiola train continues to roll on after a shock 2-0 defeat against arch-rivals Manchester United was met with 5-2 belting of Southampton and a 3-0 thumping of Fulham.
The Champions League trophy is the only piece of major silverware Guardiola has been unable to hold aloft in his tenure at Manchester City but he looks poised to do so this year.
With Sergio Aguero returning to full fitness and a healthy squad worth well over a billion dollars, this game and tie are all but over.
While there is no value to be found by backing City at the head to head markets, we suggest taking a same game multi to spice up the value of our bet.
Prediction: Manchester City 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 0
Suggested Same Game Multi:
Leg 1: Manchester City head to head
Leg 2: Total goals scored over 2.5
Leg 3: Raheem Sterling to score anytime
Combined odds = $2.30
