The Champions League trophy
The Champions League trophy

Champions League preview: Man City and Liverpool face crucial second legs against German teams, Juve and Barca face tests


We look at the big talking points in this week's Champions League games as the final four quarter-final spots are settled.

There are four more huge games this week and the big teams will be desperate to make it through to the last eight, especially with Real Madrid and PSG both crashing out last week.

Man City hold a 3-2 advantage as they welcome Schalke to the Etihad and are huge favourites to continue their pursuit of the quadruple, while Juventus face a huge task as they trail Atletico Madrid 2-0 going into the second leg in Turin.

On Wednesday, Liverpool take on Bayern Munich in Germany with that tie evenly poised at 0-0 - the same score as Barcelona start their second leg against Lyon in Camp Nou.

Here's the big talking points this week.

Is Champions League the top target for City?

Manchester City have been installed as favourites to lift the trophy after two late away goals clinched them a roller-coaster 3-2 first-leg win over Schalke. City are under investigation by both UEFA and the Premier League for allegedly breaching financial fair play rules and the club's hierarchy will be anxious to keep the spotlight focused on the team's exploits.

Pep Guardiola's side chase their 10th straight win in all competitions, but fans will be wary as Schalke posed a serious threat in Gelsenkirchen.

Klopp looking to down old rivals

Liverpool's last-16 tie against Bayern Munich hangs in the balance after a goalless draw at Anfield in the first leg. Jurgen Klopp's side spurned several chances to eke out an advantage and the Germans must start as favourites for the return.

In Champions League history, only 10 of the 31 sides held at home in the first leg of a knockout match have progressed. Bayern have lost only two of their last 26 home ties in the tournament, but Liverpool excel on the counter-attack and Klopp will relish the challenge in his homeland.

Juve need a Ronaldo super show

Juventus, two-time winners and beaten finalists in 2015 and 2017, face an uphill battle against Atletico Madrid in Turin. The Bianconeri must overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit and will be pinning their hopes on Cristiano Ronaldo, so often the architect of the Spanish club's downfall during nine years at Real Madrid.

The Portuguese, rested in Juve's 4-1 weekend win against Udinese, has scored 22 goals in 33 appearances against Atletico and aims to be the catalyst in an Italian fightback.

Barca odds-on to keep treble hopes alive

Barcelona are on course for a La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League treble and barring a major upset will secure a place in the last eight of the tournament for the 11th successive season.

Lyon's Anthony Lopes produced a goalkeeping masterclass as the first leg in France ended goalless, but Barca have since enjoyed successive cup and league wins over arch-rivals Real Madrid and, seven points clear at the top of their domestic table, appear to be hitting their straps at the business end of the season.

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