The Madrid derby headlines the final fixture slot of this season’s Champions League Round of 16. Diego Simeone’s tactical substitution of Antoine Griezmann for center back Robin Le Normand in the 71st minute suggested a defensive strategy, and Atlético Madrid appeared content with maintaining a one-goal advantage in the first leg. Despite this, Atlético nearly scored a fourth goal to demonstrate their offensive threat. However, Real Madrid will have to work hard at the Metropolitano Stadium. Los Blancos have only won twice in their nine visits to Atlético’s home ground and suffered defeats in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey last season.
In a tense match that was marred by fan disorder earlier this term, Atlético was able to salvage a draw with a stoppage time equalizer from Engel Correa. Real Madrid will qualify, and both teams will score. Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven
After their historic victory in the first leg in Eindhoven, Arsenal returns to the Emirates Stadium with a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead. In a match in the knockout stages, the Gunners became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away from home. PSV, the current Eredivisie champions, face a monumental challenge to overturn the deficit.
Arsenal is a strong favorite to advance to the quarterfinals due to their dominant form and home advantage. Prediction: Arsenal win / Home victory and over 2.5 goals.
Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund
In the second leg of their Champions League match against Lille, Borussia Dortmund hopes to recover from their Bundesliga loss to Augsburg. The German side will look to leverage their home advantage to secure progression to the next round.
Prediction: Both teams to qualify.
Club Brugge versus Aston Villa Aston Villa are on the verge of making history as they aim to become the ninth different English side to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Villa could secure their first final-eight appearance in over 40 years.
They would also be able to follow in Atalanta’s footsteps and reach the quarterfinals in their first season (2019-20) if they win. Prediction: Home win, with goals from both teams.