UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg Drama and Predictions
The UEFA Champions League round-of-16 ties have wrapped up their first legs, and what a spectacle it has been! While Arsenal seems to have one foot firmly planted in the quarterfinals after their 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, the rest of the matchups are hanging in the balance, promising more drama in the second legs.
One of the most surprising results came from Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain fell 1-0 to Liverpool. This unexpected outcome has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. How did PSG, with all their firepower, fail to score at home? And what does this mean for the return leg at Anfield? ESPN’s Gab Marcotti, Mark Ogden, and Julien Laurens dive into these questions and more, offering their insights and predictions.
PSG vs. Liverpool: What Awaits at Anfield?
Laurens: The unpredictability of football was on full display in Paris, and as we look ahead to the second leg at Anfield, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. PSG will aim to replicate their performance, believing they can turn the tie around. However, Liverpool is unlikely to repeat their lackluster showing. If the Reds push forward more aggressively, they might leave gaps for PSG to exploit. I foresee a thrilling tactical and psychological battle, potentially ending in a 2-2 draw, with Liverpool advancing.
Ogden: PSG has shown both brilliance and vulnerability in this season’s Champions League. Their defeat at Arsenal was a low point, but they bounced back with impressive wins against Manchester City and VfB Stuttgart. Despite their strong showing against Liverpool, they came away empty-handed, which could be a morale blow. Anfield is a fortress, especially when you’re trailing. Liverpool has seen PSG’s best and survived, so I predict a home win for the Reds in the second leg.
Marcotti: PSG’s approach will likely remain unchanged; they have no choice but to attack. Luis Enrique’s teams are known for their consistent style. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, will need to adjust. They can’t afford to be outplayed again, especially after having a week to prepare. With Cody Gakpo expected to return and Mohamed Salah unlikely to repeat his poor performance, Liverpool will be better prepared. The tie is still very much in the balance, but Liverpool can’t afford another subpar performance.
Rodrygo’s Role at Real Madrid: Indispensable or Not?
Laurens: Rodrygo has become a key player for Real Madrid, offering balance, defensive effort, and skill. His performance against Atlético Madrid, highlighted by a goal, showcased his importance. He’s not just a dribbler; he’s a team player, which is crucial for a squad featuring stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior.
Ogden: While no player can play every game, Rodrygo’s importance is clear. Would he start in a Champions League final? Absolutely. Bellingham’s praise for Rodrygo as “probably the most gifted player in the squad” speaks volumes. He’s not yet at Mbappé or Vinícius’s level, but he’s claimed his spot in the front three.
Marcotti: Rodrygo’s technical ability is impressive, but football isn’t just about skill. There will be games where other players like Brahim Díaz or Federico Valverde might be better suited. His role in the Atlético win doesn’t guarantee a permanent spot, especially with Bellingham available. However, his Champions League scoring record is notable, and he often gets overshadowed by bigger stars.
Young Talent Shines: Ethan Nwaneri and Others
Laurens: While Lamine Yamal is the best U21 player globally, Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed me this week. The 17-year-old Lille midfielder dominated against Borussia Dortmund, showing composure and intelligence beyond his years. This generation of young talent is already making waves in top teams.
Ogden: Yamal is the standout U21 player, but Nwaneri is a close contender. Arsenal has a potential superstar, and his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad could be a major talking point. Age shouldn’t be a barrier for such talent.
Marcotti: Yamal’s body of work surpasses Nwaneri’s at this stage. Nwaneri’s second Champions League start came against a struggling team, and he has only 10 first-team starts. While he’s exciting, he’s not yet at Yamal’s level. His future might lie in central midfield, but for now, he’s a promising talent to watch.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: A Return to Dominance?
Laurens: Bayern’s performance against Leverkusen was impressive, but I’m cautious about overpraising them. They’ve shown both brilliance and vulnerability this season. While they dominated Leverkusen, defensive fragility remains a concern. Their attacking talent, however, is among the best in Europe.
Ogden: At the Allianz Arena, Bayern looked like the dominant force in German football. However, Leverkusen had a nightmarish game, conceding early and making costly mistakes. While Bayern deserved the win, the gap between the teams isn’t as wide as the score suggests. Leverkusen has a chance if they score early in the second leg, but Bayern is likely to advance.
Marcotti: Bayern’s 3-0 win was a positive response to their previous struggles against Leverkusen. However, two of their goals were gifts, and Mukiele’s red card was avoidable. Bayern capitalized on Leverkusen’s mistakes, but the result doesn’t fully reflect the teams’ capabilities.
Originally Written by: Gab Marcotti,Mark Ogden,Julien Laurens
