Round 43 Results 25/26
2 - 1
We Predicted
Man City vs Real Madrid
Final Score: 1 - 2
The Game Notes: City need to overturn a three-goal deficit at the Etihad - something that has essentially never been done in Champions League history against Real Madrid. City's league form has been patchy (two draws and a loss in their last three PL games), while Madrid's Valverde hat-trick showed they're operating at a completely different level right now. Madrid will be happy to sit deep and absorb, looking to nick one on the counter. A City win is likely - the crowd will demand it - but going through? Almost impossible.
2 - 2
We Predicted
Chelsea vs PSG
Final Score: 0 - 3
The Game Notes: A three-goal deficit is already a mountain, but 5-2 is Everest in January. Chelsea are 6th in the PL with very inconsistent form - they're not a team capable of a comeback of this magnitude. PSG will be disciplined and dangerous on the break. Chelsea might score but the tie is dead.
2 - 0
We Predicted
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
Final Score: 2 - 0
The Game Notes: This is the most genuinely open tie of the round. Arsenal are top of the Premier League, in excellent form, and playing at the Emirates where they are formidable. Leverkusen are no pushovers - still a well-drilled side - but Arsenal at home in a knockout tie feels like a different beast. They will come out flying.
2 - 1
We Predicted
Barcelona vs Newcastle
Final Score: 7 - 2
The Game Notes: All square and anything is possible. Newcastle had a brilliant result at St. James' but the Camp Nou is a completely different environment. Barcelona are 4 points clear in La Liga and playing some fluid football. Newcastle's away form is poor and the pressure of a European away day at Barca could expose them. A tight game, but Barca's quality at home will tell late on.
1 - 1
We Predicted
Spurs vs Atletico Madrid
Final Score: 3 - 2
The Game Notes: Spurs' season is a disaster - 16th in the Premier League, manager under enormous pressure, goalkeeper hooked after 17 minutes in the first leg. Atletico only need to show up. They will sit deep, defend competently, and Simeone's side know exactly how to manage a tie like this. A Spurs win is possible (pride, home crowd), but the tie is utterly dead.
3 - 0
We Predicted
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
Final Score: 4 - 0
The Game Notes: Liverpool are 5th in the league and wildly inconsistent, but Anfield under the lights in a European knockout game is a completely different animal. The crowd will be electric, Slot's side know how to perform on big European nights, and Galatasaray - while brilliant in the first leg - will struggle to keep a clean sheet at Anfield. Liverpool will turn this around.
