This week, excitement brews as eight teams vie for spots in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, with high stakes challenging some of Europe’s finest clubs.
Powerhouses Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain each return to their home turf with a narrow one-goal lead, set to face Benfica and Monaco, respectively. Both clubs face pressure to capitalize on their slight advantages and ensure their advancement to the round of 16. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid finds itself in a gripping deadlock with Club Brugge after an electrifying 3-3 draw in Belgium.
Italy faces a tense predicament, with its remaining clubs under threat of elimination. On Tuesday, Inter’s matchup against Bodo/Glimt will be crucial, while Atalanta must host Borussia Dortmund with a two-goal deficit looming over them. On Wednesday, Juventus welcomes Galatasaray, needing to reverse a damaging three-goal loss from their first leg.
Here’s what CBS Sports analysts are forecasting for this action-packed week in Europe’s top club tournament.
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Tuesday’s Champions League Matches
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Wednesday’s Champions League Matches
Underdogs Who Will Advance
James Benge: Atalanta — The perception of who the underdogs are in this match may vary, but Atalanta certainly comes in as the outsider after suffering a 2-0 defeat in Dortmund. Nevertheless, their impressive victory over Napoli this past weekend showcases their blend of composure and skill, which could provide them a fighting chance.
Pardeep Cattry: Bodo/Glimt — Their surprising 3-1 victory over Inter marked a significant achievement, and Bodo/Glimt seems to be evolving rapidly in European competitions. They have successfully contended with heavyweights like Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, giving them a comfortable edge as they head to Milan. Despite Inter’s advantage, Bodo/Glimt might just orchestrate an upset.
Francesco Porzio: Borussia Dortmund — Initially, Atalanta was favored in the playoff against Dortmund, but Borussia’s first-leg win shifted expectations. After topping Napoli in Serie A, Atalanta faces a daunting task to overturn the two-goal deficit against a formidable opponent like Dortmund.
Chuck Booth: None? — While Galatasaray was initially considered underdogs, I believe they shouldn’t have been placed in that category at all. Traditionally, feel-good stories fade in the knockout stages, yet Bodo/Glimt at home boasts one of the largest advantages in Europe, potentially allowing them to leverage their skills to overcome Inter—even without Lautaro Martinez.
Favorites Who May Exit
James Benge: Inter — Despite Bodo/Glimt’s historic achievement, there’s lingering doubt about how they’ll perform on the larger stage of the San Siro. This team has shown effective counterattacking skills and may have the energy to disrupt Inter’s gameplay. Recently, Norwegian teams have found success in Milan.
Pardeep Cattry: Juventus — Last week was a setback for Italian clubs, and although Inter has a shot at advancing, Juventus appears to have set themselves back too far to recover. Under Luciano Spalletti, Juventus has demonstrated tactical improvements, yet they still face an uphill battle against Galatasaray, who currently leads by three goals and fields two star scorers, Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi.
Francesco Porzio: Juventus — The Bianconeri were anticipated to progress against Galatasaray, but the first match turned into a disaster, ending 5-2. Winning in Turin with Turkish talent Kenan Yildiz’s availability now in question will pose a significant challenge for Juventus.
Chuck Booth: Juventus — If Gleison Bremer returns, that could bolster Juventus’ defense. He is essential for them to maintain solidity and climb out of this predicament. Given the necessity to win by at least three goals to reach extra time, this is a monumental challenge, even playing at home.
Game of the Week
James Benge: Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge — This match may lack celebrity players, but the psychological warfare that often characterizes Atletico’s encounters promises gripping dynamics. Expect tension and potential errors, which can often lead to thrilling moments.
Pardeep Cattry: Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge — Following last week’s 3-3 draw, this rematch in Madrid might end up being the highlight of the week. Both teams possess potent attacking capabilities and seem susceptible defensively, paving the way for a potentially exhilarating contest.
Francesco Porzio: Real Madrid vs. Benfica — Attention shifts to the Bernabeu where Real Madrid will take on Benfica for a highly anticipated second leg, especially following the dramatic incidents last week involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. Their matchup promises to be captivating, with Benfica’s former coach Jose Mourinho absent after receiving a red card.
Chuck Booth: Real Madrid vs. Benfica — While some storylines may emerge from unfortunate events, Vinicius Junior’s outstanding recent form makes him a must-watch player. With goals in four consecutive matches, he enters into this clash primed to impress against Benfica, even with Mourinho sidelined. Expect Real to amplify their scoring efforts while aiming for advancement.
