UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals Second Leg Previews
This week sees the second legs of the four UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals and there is no doubt that several teams have plenty of work to do if they are to progress into the semi-finals.
Let’s take a closer look at all four quarter-final ties coming up this week, how they stand after the first leg and which clubs we feel will make it through into the semi-final.
UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals – Second Leg
Tuesday 15th April
Aston Villa (1) vs. (3) Paris St. Germain
First Leg Recap
Last week’s first leg in Paris started well for Villa when Morgan Rogers gave them the lead, but Paris were good value for their win. Desire Doue scored a fantastic equaliser before Kvicha Kvaratskhelia scored a superb goal from a tight angle to make it 2-1. However, it was Nuno Mendes’s 92nd-minute third that swung the tie strongly in favour of the French Champions.
Second Leg Prediction
The third goal in injury time makes this an incredibly tough task for Villa. Paris do give you chances defensively and Villa may take a couple of those, but it is hard to see the English side keeping Paris St Germain out at the other end.
Second Leg Result Tip – Aston Villa 2-1 Paris St Germain (PSG win 4-3 on aggregate)
Borussia Dortmund (0) vs. (4) Barcelona
First Leg Recap
Barcelona produced a clinical performance in the first leg to take total control of this tie ahead of the second leg in Dortmund. Raphinha put the home side in front on 25 minutes before a double from Robert Lewandowski on 48 and 66 minutes made it 3-0. Lamine Yamal added a fourth on 77 minutes to make the second leg a seeming formality.
Second Leg Prediction
This tie is effectively over. Liverpool famously came back from 3-0 down to beat Barcelona in a second-leg in the Champions League, but Dortmund look ill-equipped to do that. The German side will perform better at home and may score a goal or two, but Barcelona will likely match that to ensure safe progress.
Second Leg Result Tip – Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Barcelona (Barcelona win 6-2 on aggregate)
Wednesday 16th April
Inter Milan (2) vs. (1) Bayern Munich
First Leg Recap
Inter Milan secured a vital away win in Munich in the first leg. Harry Kane missed a golden chance to put Bayern in front in the first half before Lautaro Martinez put Inter in front. Bayern had more possession but it took substitute Thomas Muller to level the match after 85 minutes. However, parity lasted just three minutes as Davide Frattesi restored Inter’s lead and put them in a strong position for the second leg.
Second Leg Prediction
This tie is not over and Bayern are capable of earning a win in Milan. However, they’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal against a very stingy Inter defence. Bayern will likely score, but I think Inter will put them to the sword again to progress into the semi-finals.
Second Leg Result Tip – Inter Milan 2-1 (Inter Milan win 4-2 on aggregate)
Real Madrid (0) vs. (3) Arsenal
First Leg Recap
Arsenal stunned Real with three blistering second-half strikes to take control of this tie ahead of the second leg in Madrid. England midfielder Declan Rice scored twice with two stunning free-kicks to put Arsenal in front and then Mikel Merino swept home an equally impressive third to put Arsenal very much in the driving seat in this tie.
Second Leg Prediction
Real Madrid have produced some sensational comebacks in recent times but this looks a tall order. They were very poor against Arsenal in the second half so expect a reaction here. Real will likely win the game and will go all-out to score at least three. The problem is we can see Arsenal sneaking one on the counter attack which may prove to be the decisive factor.
Second Leg Result Tip – Real Madrid 3-1 Arsenal (Arsenal win 4-3 on aggregate)
If the tips prove correct, then that would leave us with the following semi-final ties:
- Arsenal vs. Paris St. Germain
- Barcelona vs. Inter Milan
Tune in on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to see how these ties play out!
