Tuesday's Matchups

After a very long period without European football, the Champions League and Europa League are finally back this week from Tuesday to Thursday. Even though some incredible matchups are coming on the 2nd main UEFA competition, we’re going to focus on what could happen on the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool

One of the most interesting ties of the Champions League 1/8-finals, opposes Diego Simeone’s ultra-defensive team against a well-oiled machine, Liverpool. The contrast between the teams is evident, as the current European champions have a high-pressing style, not letting their opponent breathe, much due to their incredible midfield’s work ethic. Their front-three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sádio Mane is probably the most dynamic and dangerous offensive line in the world, capable of performing in tight spaces when the opposing defence is sitting back, or in the counter when teams are having a go at Liverpool’s backline. Currently labelled as the best team in the world, Jurgen Klopp’s team will try to dismantle the complex defensive system that Simeone will surely present during Tuesday’s match.



On the other side, Atletico’s not been the team that everyone expected this season. The offensive firepower they’ve brought to the team in the summer, had everyone thinking that Diego Simeone would switch their playing style. However, that was wishful thinking. Their form on La Liga has been very poor, as they’re having trouble scoring more than one goal a game, while in the Champions League they’ve only qualified in their last group fixture. João Félix, the most expensive income of any team in the summer transfer window, won’t play the 1st leg due to an injury, the same with Trippier. Diego Costa, on the other hand, is ready to face the Reds. They’ll need a good result at Wanda Metropolitano or else it would be hard for them to advance, seen as Anfield Road is a fortress to the English team. Simeone’s midfield should match the high intensity that Henderson, Wijnaldum and Fabinho produce, but the big question mark is if their attacking line can be effective when they’ve got the chance to score. Nonetheless, this tie is one of the best of this current round of the Champions League.

???? Liverpool are unbeaten in 8 #UCL round of 16 matches (W6 D2)... pic.twitter.com/YVahf4Hx9v — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2020

Borussia Dortmund v Paris Saint-Germain

Along with the tie mentioned above and the Madrid against City one, this is probably the 3rd best one. Well, it can be 2nd if you enjoy more of an attacking football with less tactical restraints. Dortmund and PSG will clash for a place in the next round, in what promises to be two exciting matches. However, Lucien Favre will be without two key players for the 1st leg at least. Marco Reus and Julian Brandt won’t be available to help their team achieve a positive result at Signal Iduna Park, limiting Favre’s options in case they get behind the score during the match. The German team has been scoring nonstop after the winter break, due to Sancho’s incredible form and Haaland’s income on the club. However, they’ll need to take care of the defensive side as well, especially given Paris-Saint Germain main attacking threats, who include Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria. That’s going to be the biggest challenge for Lucien Favre and his team if they want to have any real shot at going through.



Paris Saint-Germain has been failing year after year on the Champions League. Their squad always presented some flaws, be it on defence or the midfield, but it’s safe to say that this year’s team is the most balanced it has been in years. Their defence looks solid, and they’ve strengthened their midfield with Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye, players who can do the dirty work while Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria take care of business upfront. It’s almost as if this year is the one where they can seriously challenge the for the title. The amount of money they have invested on their squad is one of the highest on the planet, and it’s been known for quite some time, that for PSG’s owners it’s either Champions League or bust. With a healthy Neymar now for once, they should be able to go through Borussia Dortmund, even though it’s not an easy tie. Like the Germans, this tie should be decided on who takes care better of their goal, as scoring shouldn’t be a problem for each team. It’s been a while since we saw Neymar do some damage in the main European competition. Fingers crossed he can stay healthy throughout the knockout ties.