The penultimate Champions League match day is here starting with some scintillating games on Tuesday.
Former European powerhouses Manchester United and Barcelona face tricky away games tonight, and any misstep could see Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won five Champions League titles, play in the Europa League for the first time in his career.
Ronaldo scored a late winner when the Red Devils beat Atalanta 3-2 at Old Trafford. However, the game could have been beyond reach for Reds were it not for David De Gea’s heroics and Atalanta’s wastefulness in front of goal.
It will be a totally different story when Atalanta host Ole Gunnar’s men on Tuesday evening. Atalanta have quite a remarkable record this season, having only lost twice in front of their own fans. They need points if they are to qualify for the next round.
That coupled with the fact that United have lost seven of their last 12 Champions League matches makes this a very tricky tie.
Our pundits are predicting a home win in this fixture. Triple5bet have placed an Atalanta win at 3.04 odds, which I must say is very high considering Manchester United’s recent woes.
Spanish giants Barcelona are even in a worst possible shape ahead of a trip to Ukranian side Dynamo Kiev. Barca are currently third on the log and out of the qualifying spots for the next round. They need to beat Kiev and hope that Bayern beats Benfica.
However, that is easier said than done as Barcelona have not won any of their away matches this season. To make matters worse, they have only scored one goal away from home since August.
The club was forced to fire Dutchman Ronald Koeman last week but even that did not inspire immediate change of form as they were held to a draw by minnows Alaves.
Barcelona are the favorites in this fixture but something tells me Dynamo Kiev may surprise us. That is why I am predicting a home win at 5.06 odds on Triple5bet
If you are crazy enough to go with an Atalanta win and Barcelona loss, you have a whopping 15 odds on Triple5bet. A Ksh 100 stake gives you some Ksh 1183after tax. It is a risky bet but also highly rewarding at the same time.
Other Champions League Matches on Tuesday are:
Malmo vs Chelsea – Kick Off 2045
Wolfsburg vs RB Salzburg – Kick off 2045
Bayern vs Benfica – Kick off 2300
Juventus vs Zenit St. Petersburg – Kick Off 2300
