Galatasaray and Liverpool meet once more within the Champions League final 16 this week — the Turkish facet gained 1-0 once they clashed in the course of the league part. Picture: AFP/File
ISTANBUL:
AFP Sport seems to be forward to Tuesday’s Champions League last-16, first-leg clashes, as Liverpool go to Istanbul for the second time this season and Newcastle United put together to host Barcelona once more:
Galatasaray v Liverpool
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence collapsed throughout a horrific run of outcomes from late September, they usually face a battle even to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League. Now Arne Slot’s facet head again to Istanbul, the place they misplaced 1-0 to Turkish champions Galatasaray in the course of the league part.
A deep run within the Champions League could be a serious increase for Slot, who has come beneath hearth from pissed off followers throughout Liverpool’s stoop.
Galatasaray held off Juventus within the play-off spherical, after successful 5-2 at residence within the first leg after which dropping 3-2 after additional time within the return. They lead the Turkish Tremendous Lig and gained 1-0 at Istanbul rivals Besiktas on Saturday, with Victor Osimhen scoring the purpose — that was his 18th of the season, with seven coming in Europe.
Atalanta v Bayern Munich
Bayern most likely should be thought-about among the many main three or 4 contenders to win the Champions League, because the German giants chase what could be a seventh title in Europe’s elite membership competitors. Vincent Kompany’s staff head to Italy with an 11-point lead on the high of the Bundesliga and having gained seven of eight video games within the Champions League up to now.
With the Bundesliga title all however wrapped up, Bayern gave Harry Kane a relaxation and left Michael Olise on the bench in Friday’s 4-1 win in opposition to Borussia Moenchengladbach. With 45 targets in 37 video games in all competitions this marketing campaign, Kane is in ominous type, reaching his finest ever mark in a season by February.
Atalanta knocked out Borussia Dortmund within the final spherical and have additionally crushed Eintracht Frankfurt this season, so might be relishing one other check in opposition to German opposition. Gianluca Scamacca scored twice as they got here from behind to attract 2-2 with Udinese in Serie A on Saturday.
Newcastle United v Barcelona
Having already crushed Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park within the league part because of a Marcus Rashford brace and with out teenage star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona might be assured when heading to Tyneside.
Hansi Flick’s entertaining facet nonetheless have their flaws although, notably the exploitable excessive defensive position which makes them susceptible to tempo in behind, with Anthony Gordon more likely to trigger the Catalan giants hassle.
Newcastle have discovered the going more durable within the Premier League this season after a number of years of sustained progress beneath Eddie Howe. They beat Manchester United final week earlier than crumbling within the FA Cup in opposition to a Manchester Metropolis staff that had made 10 adjustments.
