The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League round of 16 is set for an entertaining climax as the final set of games to determine who progresses to the quarterfinals takes centre stage on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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| Image via dailymail.co.uk |
Meanwhile, following a share of the spoils in the first encounter, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund will hope to make their home advantage count when they face the respective kings of Italy and Netherlands, Napoli and PSV Eindhoven.
• Arsenal vs FC Porto [0-1] (Emirates Stadium) - 9.00pm
Arsenal have had an unstoppable start to 2024, scoring goals for fun, keeping clean sheets and winning games. However, the only game which they failed to do any of these and the only stain on their great record since the start of this year - was at the Estadio Do Dragao in their Champions League last 16 game against Porto.
The Gunners came into the contest in mouthwatering form and they were shockingly restricted to not a single shot on target and conceding a 94th minute screamer, following a tactical masterclass from Sergio Conceicao's side.
Knowing the significant importance of Tuesday's game, as the North London outfit look to make their first quarter final appearance in years, Mikel Arteta has charged the club faithful to make the Emirates Stadium a warzone and as loud as it can be for the visit of the Portuguese giants.
- Speaking in his pre-match preeser, the Spaniard said;
“That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow in front of our people in our stadium for 96 minutes. Bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together. I think the impact that they can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think that they (the fans) realise so we need that. We need that noise to play every ball with us. We need that emotional control that the game can go through certain phases and we have to be really intelligent to push in the right moments.”
The last time Arsenal faced Porto at this stage of the competition in 2010, the Gunners bounced back to win the second leg 5-0 after a 1-2 loss in the first. They will hope for a repeat of sort when they lock horns again.
• FC Barcelona vs Napoli [1-1] (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys) - 9.00pm
With the first leg ending 1-1, and with 13 wins from their last 16 home knockout ties in the competition (D2, L1), the Catalan side seem favourites to get the job done.
Xavi seems to be heading out the exit door on a high, currently on an eight game unbeaten run across all competitions, winning five and drawing three of those, this all-important clash with Napoli comes in good time.
Napoli are winless in their last six visits to Spain, losing five. After they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history last season, the chances of rewriting the books appear to big as the Italian champions are currently on their longest unbeaten run of this season, yet to taste defeat in their last six games across all competitions (W2, D4).
• Borussia Dortmund vs PSV [1-1] (Signal Iduna Park) - 9:00pm
Borussia Dortmund holds an edge in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven, despite coach Edin Terzić criticizing their performance as "sloppy." However, Dortmund's overall season has been inconsistent, with the need to balance success in the Champions League with securing a spot in next season's competition through domestic league performance.
Although they have had recent victories in the Bundesliga, Dortmund's home record in the Champions League is strong, but recent draws and losses suggest a tough challenge ahead.
PSV's formidable season adds to Dortmund's challenge, with the Dutch side having lost only twice in 39 matches and aiming for their first Champions League quarter-final since 2006/07.
Head coach of the Dutch outfit, Peter Bosz, is optimistic about their chances, emphasizing their ability to perform well away from home, despite recent mixed results.
• Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan [0-1] (Wanda Metropolitano) - 9.00pm
Atlético Madrid faces an uphill battle in their ninth UEFA Champions League round of 16 appearance out of the last 11 campaigns, trailing Inter Milan 1-0 after the first leg. Diego Simeone's squad is grappling with poor form, having suffered five defeats in their last eight competitive matches, including a 2-0 loss to relegation-threatened Cádiz in La Liga.
Despite their recent struggles, Atlético can draw confidence from their strong home record at the Metropolitano Stadium, where they have lost only once in 20 competitive games this season, boasting 18 wins and a draw. Notably, they secured three wins in the group stage of the Champions League, with the last two victories coming by a margin of two or more goals.
However, Inter Milan presents a formidable challenge, historically excelling in knockout ties when winning the first leg at home. With their recent 13-game winning streak and a significant lead atop Serie A, Inter is in prime form. Additionally, their six consecutive away wins, four of which were clean sheets, underscore their strength on the road.
Nonetheless, Inter has shown vulnerability in European away matches this season, often starting slowly and requiring late goals to salvage draws.