Champions League 2020: Odds, Live Stream for Wednesday's Round-of-16 Fixtures
Feb 19, 2020
Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho attends a press conference at Tottenham Hotspur's Enfield Training Centre, in north London on February 18, 2020, ahead of their UEFA Champions League Last 16 First Leg football match against RB Leipzig. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's chances of getting past RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League took a significant hit when Jose Mourinho appeared to rule Heung-Min Son out for the season on Tuesday.
Son's pace and eye for goal have been helping to offset the injury-enforced absence of Harry Kane. Yet a fractured arm suffered during Sunday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa has ruled Son out for a prolonged period:
Heung-Min Son will be out for the remainder of Spurs' season, according to Jose Mourinho.
Now Mourinho must get creative to fill the void up front, although it won't be easy for depleted Spurs to keep pace with a Leipzig team headlined by classy forward Timo Werner.
Wednesday's other game will see tournament surprise package Atalanta test their free-flowing attack against Valencia in Italy. The Serie A outfit are loaded with quality in the final third thanks to Josip Ilicic and Duvan Zapata, who will test a Valencia back line that conceded seven times through six matches during the group stage.
Wednesday Schedule
Atalanta vs. Valencia: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport 3
Tottenham Hotspur vs. RB Leipzig: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport 2/TNT
Spurs' striker shortage, a situation Mourinho said "couldn't be worse" on Tuesday, will prove fatal since he has struggled to solidify a shaky defence. Tottenham have kept a mere two clean sheets during their last 12 matches in all competitions.
Staying strong at the back was also an issue during the group stage, even before Mourinho arrived. Spurs shipped 14 goals in Group B, including seven against Bayern Munich in north London back in October.
Leipzig will test out the fragile Tottenham back line with Werner's artistry and the pace and power of Roma loanee Patrik Schick.
Tottenham's best chance to answer will be to win the midfield battle with their own energy and ingenuity. Fortunately for Mourinho, Dele Alli remains a steady source of goals and assists, while Giovani Lo Celso can impact the game in both boxes.
Lo Celso and Alli need to keep the lines of supply open to Lucas Moura. The winger could well operate as a false nine during the first leg.
He played a similar role last season, famously helping to see off Ajax in the last four:
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 10, 2019
Unlike Spurs, Atalanta aren't short of options in the final third. Ilicic has the technique and vision to spring Zapata behind a Valencia back four led by former Villarreal and Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista.
The Brazilian centre-back could be partnered by former Manchester City flop Eliaquim Mangala. They will both need the protection of another ex-Gunner, Francis Coquelin, at the base of midfield.
Valencia know the importance of keeping things close, especially since striker Rodrigo Moreno is efficient enough to make the most of whatever chances come his way. The visitors will need to disrupt Atalanta's stylish possession game long enough to play Rodrigo in, so getting Dani Parejo on the ball early and often will be key.
Jurgen Klopp Says Atletico Madrid 'Wanted' to Get Sadio Mane Sent off in UCL
Feb 18, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp was far from impressed with how Atletico Madrid went about unsettling his Liverpool team during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night.
Atleti beat the holders 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium thanks to a goal from Saul Niguez after four minutes. Liverpool struggled to respond because a usually prolific forward line was blunted, with Sadio Mane particularly out of sorts.
Mane was booked five minutes before the break for a foul on Sime Vrsaljko, and Klopp thinks it's obvious the hosts wanted to get the forward shown a second yellow card and ultimately sent off:
Jurgen Klopp couldn't hide his disdain for Atletico's cynical tactics in time wasting and play-acting saying:
"It is obviously part of football and I don’t like that. It was clear they wanted to get Sadio out of the game by getting him booked." #LFC
Klopp subbed Mane at halftime, replacing him with Divock Origi. The Liverpool boss spoke bluntly about why he replaced one of his star players so early:
Klopp on Mane substitution: "I was afraid his opponent would go down if Sadio took a deep breath."
Origi scored at the same venue when the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in last season's final. Yet the Belgium international couldn't find the necessary space to punish an Atletico side defending with aggression and discipline.
Atleti boss Diego Simeone shaped his team into a compact 4-4-2 formation. The tactical setup succeeded in denying Liverpool space in wide areas, with strikers Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa keeping raiding full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold penned deep.
Simeone's men also left few gaps between their two banks of four, with Saul working tirelessly in the middle. Meanwhile, tough-tackling Thomas Partey shielded the backline brilliantly:
Thomas Partey made 13 ball recoveries vs. Liverpool, no player on the pitch made more.
Koke tucked in from the right to supplement the efforts of Partey and Saul, while former Real Madrid holding midfielder Marcos Llorente also excelled when he came on. The hosts also rarely wasted a chance to slow the game down, never rushing throw-ins or set pieces while protecting the early goal.
Klopp, who was booked by referee Szymon Marciniak for his protests, may not have liked the way Atleti went about it, but there was no denying how resolutely Simeone's group had absorbed pressure:
Atletico Madrid won against Liverpool despite having 27.5% possession, the lowest by a winning team in a UCL knockout game since Basel in Mar 2018 (vs. Man City).
Liverpool bossed the ball, but didn't use it wisely enough with Mane and fellow forward Mohamed Salah subdued and off the pace. Mane made a goalscoring return from a hamstring injury during Saturday's 1-0 win away to Norwich City in the Premier League, but he was never allowed to settle in the Spanish capital.
Mane and Salah's problems were the main reason what had been a ruthlessly efficient Liverpool attack failed to click:
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool FT
Liverpool failed to have a single shot on target for the first time in a game across all competitions since October 3rd, 2018 (vs Napoli)
His team was ruffled by Atleti's knack for irritation, but Klopp remains bullish about Liverpool's chances of still going through when the two sides renew hostilities on Merseyside on March 11:
Klopp: All Atletico fans who have a ticket for the game, welcome to Anfield...
Klopp knows history is on his side after last season's dramatic comeback against Barcelona in the last four. Liverpool overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Blaugrana 4-0 at Anfield and reach the final.
Even so, Simeone and Atletico also have an enviable history for upsets in this competition. They beat Barca and Bayern Munich in consecutive knockout ties en route to the 2016 final.
Atleti also won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to eliminate Chelsea in the 2014 semi-final. Diego Costa and Koke were in the lineup that night in west London and are still at Simeone's disposal.
So are Saul, Partey and Correa, who played when 10-man Atletico earned a 1-1 draw away to Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-final in 2018. The Spanish club settled the tie at home and eventually won the trophy.
Simeone knows the formula for defying the odds in Europe. He was able to inflict just a third defeat in all competitions this season on Liverpool despite being without injured duo Joao Felix and Kieran Trippier.
If there is one team who won't be intimidated by the Anfield roar, it's Atletico.
Top Winners, Losers After Tuesday's Champions League Round-of-16 Leg-1 Results
Feb 18, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Diego Pablo Simeone, head coach of Atletico de Madrid celebrates the victory after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Diego Simeone masterminded a classic Atletico Madrid rearguard action to frustrate holders Liverpool in the first leg of the last 16 in the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Atleti won 1-0 in the Spanish capital on a night Liverpool forward Sadio Mane will want to forget. He was booked and endured several subsequent attempts to bait him into further rash action until Reds boss Jurgen Klopp removed the prolific No. 10 for his own protection.
Mane wasn't the only big name to suffer on a night when Paris Saint-Germain lost 2-1 away to Borussia Dortmund. Neymar's goal in Germany wasn't enough for Les Parisiens to overcome a two-goal salvo from rising star Erling Haaland, the latest smart bargain signing by Dortmund's outstanding recruitment team.
Thomas Tuchel used to benefit from such shrewd scouting, but the 46-year-old knows expectations are different at PSG. He is struggling to meet those demands after another European setback for the megarich club desperate for success in this competition.
Wednesday Scores
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
Borussia Dortmund 2-1 PSG
Winner: Diego Simeone
Klopp has enjoyed the lion's share of press-led plaudits lavished upon members of the managerial fraternity this season. He's merited praise after Liverpool have followed up winning last season's Champions League by building a 25-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
By contrast, Simeone has lost some of his sparkle this season, with Atleti struggling to keep pace with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. Simeone's group trails unfashionable Getafe in the table, while the defensive-minded Argentinian has struggled to get the best from flair players such as Thomas Lemar and club-record signing Joao Felix.
If ever there was a time for Simeone to remind everyone why he was once so highly rated, it was Tuesday. He faced a daunting, two-pronged challenge against the reigning champions.
First, Simeone needed to restrict time and space for a superb front three featuring Mane and Salah. A compact four across midfield, supplemented by one of two strikers dropping deep helped put Atletico's plan to negate into action:
Liverpool have failed to attempt a single shot on target for the first time across all competitions this season.
Usually teams this stout defensively rely on a lone-striker formation, but Simeone trusted two men in attack. He partnered Alvaro Morata with Angel Correa and had the pair play wide to block Liverpool's raiding full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Playing against a traditional strike partnership has quietly become a problem for the otherwise awesome Klopp machine this season:
Liverpool have faced teams deploying two-striker systems in 4/4 of the UCL & PL games they haven’t won this season.
Napoli played 4-4-2 twice Man Utd played 3-4-1-2 Atleti played 4-4-2
One goal was all Atleti needed to add Liverpool to a list of illustrious names that includes Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea that have been thwarted by the Simeone blueprint.
Loser: Sadio Mane
Mane only returned from a hamstring problem on Saturday. Even so, his 30-minute cameo against Norwich City, which included scoring the winning goal at Carrow Road, hinted the Senegal international would quickly get back up to speed.
It was surprising when Mane appeared out of sorts even before he was booked in the 40th minute.
Mohamed Salah has not exchanged a single pass with Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mané in the opening 25 minutes against Atletico Madrid.
The foul on Sime Vrsaljko not only drew a yellow card, but it also prompted Atleti players to exaggerate any subsequent challenge Mane was involved in. Fearing his player may be lured into a lapse of judgement and sent off, Klopp withdrew Mane for Divock Origi at the break.
Origi was a hero in last season's campaign, seeing off Barcelona in the last four and scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the final, but he couldn't pose the same threat Mane presents defences.
Afterwards, Klopp confirmed he had removed Mane for his own good:
Jürgen Klopp on Sadio Mane: "I was a little afraid the opponent would go down even if Sadio took a deep breath. I didn't want that situation so that's why I took him off."
The forward will need to keep his composure if he's going to vent his frustration upon Atleti during the second leg at Anfield on March 11.
Winner: Dortmund's Recruitment
Does anyone on the continent play the market better than Dortmund? Maybe Sevilla, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a club that strikes gold as often as the Bundesliga outfit.
Haaland became the latest "I can't believe how little he cost" budding star recruited by Dortmund when he signed from RB Leipzig for a mere £17.1 million in December. At the time, the 19-year-old Norwegian chose the German side despite interest from Manchester United.
Since then, Haaland has been relentless in his pursuit of goals and records in a Dortmund shirt:
▪️ 39 goals in 28 games this season ▪️ 11 goals in 7 games since joining Dortmund ▪️ Joint top scorer in the Champions League ▪️ Fastest player ever to reach 10 Champions League goals@ErlingHaaland is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/CmhmpfEjIr
His initial performances already put him in the bracket of gems Dortmund beat the competition to sign. They include Robert Lewandowski, Shinji Kagawa and Jadon Sancho to name but a few.
Dortmund are already casting an eye over Club Brugge winger Emmanuel Dennis as a potential replacement for Sancho, who is wanted by United and Chelsea, per HLN (h/t Jonathan Spencer of MailOnline).
Sancho, who cost £8 million, is now valued at £120 million, per TalkSport's Jake Bacon. This level of profit makes selling stars easy. So does Dortmund's knowledge they will simply find another for cheap.
Imagine how clever this club will be when it comes to cashing in on Haaland and recruiting his successor.
Loser: Thomas Tuchel
Luis Fernandez dubbed Tuchel PSG's "worst coach since the Qatari takeover," during an interview with DPA (h/t Goal). It may read like a harsh view to some, but there also will be plenty of supporters of the former PSG manager's opinion.
High-profile failings are becoming common on Tuchel's watch. Last season's infamous collapse against United at this stage should be a distant memory, but PSG fans will be fearing a repeat after a rough night in Dortmund.
Tuchel was once renowned for his artful, attacking brand of football. However, those qualities were distinctly absent from PSG's first-half showing against his former club:
2 – Paris have only attempted two shots in the 1st half against Dortmund, their worst tally at the half-time of a Champions League game since March 2017 at Barcelona (also 2). Petrified. #BVBPSGpic.twitter.com/aqTcOi7AnD
It shouldn't be possible for a starting XI featuring Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria to be this shot-shy. Things hardly improved after the break, despite Mbappe and Neymar combining for a well-worked goal.
While the struggles of a star-studded forward line may have come as a surprise, the space Dortmund enjoyed up front couldn't have been a shock. After all, Tuchel had strangely reverted to a defensive shape that's rarely worked for Les Parisiens:
6 - Paris have lost 6 of their 24 games started with 3 defenders since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel (25%), as many as in their 71 matches started with 4 defenders (8%). Risky. #BVBPSGpic.twitter.com/DagAZDHfEx
Tuchel appears increasingly unsure of how to get the best out of the marquee names at his disposal. With dominance in France annually assured, he'll know performances in Europe will ultimately determine how his tenure is judged.
So far the judgement is shaping up to be a particularly brutal indictment of Tuchel's ability.
Champions League 2020: Top Scorers After Tuesday's Round-of-16 Results
Feb 18, 2020
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: Erling Braut Haaland of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park on February 18, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland continued his incredible season on Tuesday, netting twice in a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
Haaland's brace, which included a stunning second goal, was not only enough to give BVB the advantage at the halfway point of their last-16 clash, but it moved the 19-year-old to 10 goals in the Champions League, making him the joint top scorer with Robert Lewandowski.
Neymar's goal means that PSG are still well placed to mount a comeback in the second leg. Meanwhile, holders Liverpool will require another memorable night at Anfield if they are to advance after they lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid.
Here are the updated top-scorer standings after a dramatic start to the knockout bracket:
10: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Haaland's performances in the Champions League for Red Bull Salzburg made him a household name for supporters around the world. Now he's close to becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport.
The Norwegian opened the scoring for Dortmund on the night with a typical poacher's finish:
It's to the teenager's credit that he's been able to make such a swift transition to life at Dortmund since January, with the goalscoring edge he showcased frequently at Salzburg even sharper in recent weeks.
The forward has also made scoring in the Champions League, a competition that is the pinnacle of club football in the eyes of many, look unerringly easy throughout the campaign. Per OptaJoe, no player in the history of the competition has racked up a double-figure goal return quicker than Haaland:
10 – Erling Haaland has scored 10 Champions League goals in just seven appearances, reaching the tally four games quicker than any other player in the competition’s history. Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/OPXGPjl7MG
As football broadcaster Carlo Garganese relayed, in addition to his predatory instincts, Haaland also showcased remarkable speed with one burst in the first period:
Erling Haaland clocked a time of 6.64 seconds for a 60 metre sprint during a first half counter attack tonight. The 60m world record (by US sprinter Christian Coleman) is 6.34 seconds! #BVBPSG
While there was some stellar forward play on display in Dortmund, in Madrid it was Atletico's defensive display that was the deciding factor.
Saul Niguez prodded home early on, and Atletico did brilliantly to nullify the attacking riches available to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for the rest of the encounter.
Per WhoScored.com, it's been a while since any team were able to shut down Liverpool so effectively:
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool FT
Liverpool failed to have a single shot on target for the first time in a game across all competitions since October 3rd, 2018 (vs Napoli)
Despite toiling for long spells and failing to get an away goal, the Reds will still fancy their chances of turning things around at Anfield on March 11. They memorably recovered from a three-goal deficit against Barcelona at the semi-final stage last season on their way to winning the trophy.
Lewandowski will have the chance to edge ahead of Haaland again in a week's time, when Bayern visit Chelsea in the first leg of their knockout clash.
Saul Niguez Leads Atletico Madrid Past Liverpool 1-0 in UCL Round of 16 Leg 1
Feb 18, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Saul Niguez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid hold the advantage at the halfway stage of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Liverpool, earning a 1-0 win over the holders at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tusday.
The match got off to a perfect start for the hosts, with Saul Niguez prodding home from close range after a penalty-box scramble. Liverpool's response saw them have a lot of the ball, but they were able to create little in terms of clear-cut chances in the first half.
In the second period, Mohamed Salah planted a header wide, while Alvaro Morata embarrassingly missed his kick when presented with a glorious opportunity to double his team's advantage.
It meant that it's the La Liga side who take a slender lead back to Merseyside. The second leg will be played at Anfield on March 11.
With the crowd up from kick-off, the match was ignited by Atletico's early goal. The Reds were unable to clear a corner, and the ball fell perfectly into the path of Saul, who had an easy task to poke home:
Listen to that roar 🤯
Saul Niguez gives Atletico the dream start with a goal inside four minutes!
Unsurprisingly, Atletico were happy to surrender territory and possession following that early strike. The Premier League side pushed forward as a result, although they were unable to find a way through the massed ranks of red and white jerseys.
Liverpool did have the ball in the back of the net at one stage, having broken away after an Alisson Becker save from Morata. However, Salah failed to control the ball after Jan Oblak's error, with Roberto Firmino picking up possession in an offside position.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made the big decision to withdraw Sadio Mane from the action at half-time. David Lynch of theEvening Standard commented on what was a frustrating evening for the Senegal international:
Told there's no injury to Sadio Mane. Don't think it's that Jurgen Klopp doesn't trust the player, but rather that he doesn't trust the referee to not be conned into sending him off.
In the second half, the pattern of the game remained the same. Liverpool looked more likely to unsettle the Atletico back line though, with Salah heading wide after a pinpoint Joe Gomez cross.
Atletico continued to carry a threat on the break, and Morata missed a glorious chance to double their advantage, slipping at the crucial moment when brilliantly placed.
Meanwhile, Ian Doyle of theLiverpool Echocommented on the defensive application being displayed by the home team:
I don't think there's a living thing that loves anything as much as Atletico Madrid love defending.
Klopp made another big call in the search for an equaliser when Salah was taken out of the action in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, as the match moved towards the latter stages, the visitors seemed to be running out of ideas in the final third.
It meant Atletico were able to see out the final moments, and there was a sense that Liverpool were content with the scoreline as an all-out attacking approach didn't come. While they were unable to score a key away goal on the night, Atletico still face a huge challenge if they are to progress after the second leg at Anfield.
What's Next?
Liverpool continue their march towards Premier League glory Monday when they host struggling West Ham United. Atletico are back in action on Sunday, with Villarreal the visitors.
Erling Haaland's Brace Guides Dortmund Past Neymar, PSG 2-1 in UCL Thriller
Feb 18, 2020
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 18: Erling Braut Haaland of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park on February 18, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
Erling Haaland's goals helped Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 and take control of their UEFA Champions League tie in the last 16 on Tuesday night.
Haaland scored twice during eight remarkable second-half minutes that also included Neymar finding the net at the Westfalenstadion. Neymar had temporarily equalised by scoring what could prove to be a crucial away goal, but Haaland's second left the 28-year-old, Kylian Mbappe and former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel stunned at the end of the first leg.
Neither side managed to sparkle during a dismal first half. What credible chances there were went the way of the hosts, with Haaland firing into the side netting before glancing a header wide.
Meanwhile, Keylor Navas was called into action when he made a fine save to palm away a shot from the lively Jadon Sancho.
PSG could offer little response because of the rigid shape and discipline Dortmund played with. A back three ably protected by midfield enforcer Axel Witsel denied space between the lines and shooting opportunities:
Les Parisiens were struggling to create, with Neymar often dropping too deep into midfield to collect the ball. His wanderlust was reducing the support for Mbappe in PSG's 4-3-3 setup, a problem noted by Get French Football News writer Jeremy Smith:
Things didn't appear to have changed once the second half got underway. The visitors were still pedestrian and predictable in possession, while Dortmund posed a threat on the counter.
Real Madrid loanee Achraf Hakimi broke clear on the right and was only denied by a sprawling stop from Navas as the angle closed. Rather than becoming frustrated by another opportunity wasted, Dortmund rallied to take the lead through Haaland, who poked the ball over from close range after a deflection fell kindly into his path.
By reacting quickest, Haaland kept alive a streak of getting off the mark at the first time of asking for the club he joined from Salzburg in December:
Erling Håland has now scored on his Borussia Dortmund debut in the:
PSG appeared to be in trouble, but a squad with this much star power is never out of a game for long. So it proved as Neymar equalised less than six minutes later after being teed up by Mbappe.
The multi-million-pound combination worked exactly the way it's supposed to, with Mbappe speeding past defenders on the flank before crossing for an unmarked Neymar in the middle.
Neymar can often be criticised for being on the fringes of big games, but the Brazil international has already surpassed two of his county's legends at this level:
Neymar has scored more Champions League goals (34) than Ronaldo (14) and Ronaldinho (18) combined.
Ultimately, Dortmund's only regret will be failing to pad the lead. Neymar's goal means PSG are still likely to go through, despite looking at times in the first leg like they were as far removed from being able to lift this trophy as possible.
What's Next?
Dortmund face Werder Bremen away in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while PSG host Bordeaux in the French top flight on Sunday.
Champions League 2020: Odds, Live Stream for Tuesday's Round-of-16 Fixtures
Feb 18, 2020
NORWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Sadio Mane of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool FC at Carrow Road on February 15, 2020 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Defending champions Liverpool visit Atletico Madrid on Tuesday as the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League last 16 gets under way.
The Reds are attempting to draw level with AC Milan by winning the trophy for a seventh time this term, but Atleti are likely to prove a tricky opponent to get past, even for Jurgen Klopp's superlative side.
Meanwhile, in Tuesday's other Champions League fixture, Paris Saint-Germain face Borussia Dortmund.
Here are the details in full for both matches, along with odds courtesy of Caesars Palace.
Tuesday's Fixtures (Odds: Home, Draw, Away)
8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool (47-20, 47-20, 6-5)
8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain (39-20, 29-10, 6-5)
In the United Kingdom, the matches will be shown on BT Sport and streamed via theBT Sport website.
In the United States, the matches can be streamed viaB/R Live.
Since Liverpool were last in European action against Red Bull Salzburg in December, they have won the FIFA Club World Cup and moved within touching distance of claiming a first league title in three decades:
Liverpool after 26 games this season: 76 points
Manchester United's 1996/7 Premier League winning total: 75 points
They look all but unstoppable at the moment, and it is difficult to see any side beating them in this season's Champions League.
Atleti do not look like viable candidates to cause a huge upset against Liverpool given they have won just one of their last seven in all competitions.
But Diego Simeone has manufactured remarkable European wins in the past, guiding his side to two Champions League finals, a semi-final, a quarter-final and a UEFA Europa League triumph in the last six seasons.
He will know the importance of home advantage in Tuesday's opening leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.
If at all possible, Atletico will aim to avoid conceding against Liverpool, even it means playing out a 0-0 draw, as that will mean they remain in the tie for the return to Anfield, when pressure could have an impact on Liverpool.
If Atleti have often punched above their weight in the Champions League, PSG's recent forays into Europe have been underwhelming to say the least.
Last season's exit at the hands of a weak Manchester United side was not even the nadir given what occurred two years before against Barcelona:
They have a chance to make amends this season and have been given a boost in the lead-up to the opening leg of their clash with Dortmund after Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were included in the squad:
OFFICIAL: Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are included in PSG's squad for their Champions League first leg against Borussia Dortmund 🤝 pic.twitter.com/JV1g0D6ome
PSG's superlative attacking unit should give them the edge over BVB, as although the German side have goalscoring talent of their own, they are weak at the back:
Dortmund 4-3 defeat today makes it *31* goals in their 5 games so far in 2020.
Dortmund also tend to struggle away from home, winning just three of their past 11 on the road.
As a result, PSG must look to control proceedings at the Westfalenstadion and ensure they at least keep the tie even for the return leg at the Parc des Princes.
Jurgen Klopp Says Playing Atletico Madrid 'One of the Most Difficult Things'
Feb 17, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 17: coach Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool FC during the Press conference Liverpool at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 17, 2020 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has said Liverpool and Atletico Madrid's respective domestic campaigns in 2019-20 will have no bearing on how their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie plays out.
The Reds are all but guaranteed a first league title in three decades this term after opening up a 25-point gap at the top of the Premier League. They have dropped only two points all season:
Meanwhile, Atletico have endured some struggles in 2019-20 and, as a result, they sit fourth in La Liga amid a fierce battle for the Champions League spots:
On Tuesday, Liverpool go to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for the first leg of their last-16 tie with Atletico, and they are heavy favourites to advance to the quarter-finals.
Klopp, though, has said his side face a huge challenge in getting past Diego Simeone's side, per Marca:
"Playing against Atletico Madrid is one of the most difficult things in the life of a football player. They are a really good and organised results machine, squeezing results pretty much from each game if possible.
"People told me that this year is not exactly like that, but it is a transition period. That's normal, but still they are fighting with all they have. How they played so far this season was not as bad as people say and has nothing to do with their chances tomorrow.
"The team who play better tomorrow and in the next game, the team who fight more and want it more, will go to the next round. It's not about the team who has the best Premier League or La Liga season."
Klopp's European record as Liverpool manager is remarkable.
He steered them to the UEFA Europa League final in 2015-16, the Champions League final in 2017-18 and then won Europe's elite tournament last season.
The upshot is that the German has never lost a two-legged European tie as Reds manager.
However, while Liverpool have lost only one Premier League game since the start of the 2018-19 season, they have lost five times in Europe in that same period.
Twice they have been defeated by Napoli, once by Barcelona, once by Paris Saint-Germain and once by Red Star Belgrade. And all have been away from home.
Indeed, Liverpool's recent record away from Anfield in the Champions League is remarkably poor given how faultless they have been elsewhere.
In their last 12 fixtures on the road, including the finals in 2018 and 2019, the Reds have lost seven times.
Pair that with the fact that Atleti have not lost a home game in the Champions League since September 2017's 2-1 reverse to Chelsea—a run of nine games unbeaten—and Klopp's warning becomes increasingly clear-headed.
Neymar to Return from Injury for PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund in UCL, Says Tuchel
Feb 17, 2020
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar attends a training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match BVB Borussia Dortmund v Paris SG in Dortmund, western Germany, on February 17, 2020. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel said on Monday that Neymar will play for the French champions on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League last 16 against Borussia Dortmund.
Neymar has been sidelined with a rib injury since PSG's 5-0 win over Montpellier on February 1 but should return to first-team action at Westfalenstadion:
🎙️ Coach Tuchel: "@neymarjr will most certainly play tomorrow. It obviously changes a lot." #PSGlive
The news will be a big boost to PSG's hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals. Neymar has 13 goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances for the club this season and has been in a rich vein of goalscoring form (UK video only):
1️⃣1️⃣ goals in his last 1️⃣1️⃣ games...
Neymar has been in terrifying form for PSG of late 🔥
Tuchel told reporters that Neymar "has the ability to produce decisive things" and also added his availability "changes everything for his teammates, it brings confidence and creativity."
Neymar has only made one start in Europe's top competition this season due to injury and suspension but came up with a goal and two assists in the 5-0 win over Galatasaray.
PSG were impressive in the group stages even without Neymar. The team were unbeaten in six games in Group A, topping the table by five points from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The French side have been handed a tough draw against Tuchel's former side Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit also boast an impressive attack containing Jadon Sancho, Marco Reus and new signing Erling Braut Haaland:
Neymar was largely brought to PSG to help the club win the Champions League for the first time. The Brazilian lifted the European Cup in 2015 with former club Barcelona and boasts a strong record in the tournament:
However, injury has prevented him from featuring in the knockout stages in the last two seasons. He missed the second leg of PSG's exit at the hands of Real Madrid in 2018 with a foot injury and sat out both legs against Manchester United last season with a broken metatarsal.
Neymar is now into his third season at PSG and there will plenty of expectation on the 28-year-old ahead of the tie against Dortmund. The Brazilian is one of the best players in the world in peak form and has the talent to lead PSG past Lucien Favre's side.
Saul Niguez Says Atletico Madrid 'Can Hurt Liverpool' in UCL Despite Poor Form
Feb 17, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 8: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Granada at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 8, 2020 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez is determined to cause an upset against UEFA Champions League title-holders Liverpool and said his side "can hurt" the Reds ahead of their round-of-16 first leg on Tuesday.
Diego Simeone's side welcome Liverpool to the Wanda Metropolitano, the same venue where the Merseysiders defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in June 2019 to lift their sixth overall European title.
Jurgen Klopp's men will be favourites in Madrid following Atleti's run of one win in their last seven games, but Saul said his team can surprise the bookmakers and get fans back on their side, per the Guardian's Sid Lowe:
"There's no memory in football: What you did yesterday is no use. We had a good run before Christmas then we fell away and it was hard. People wanted to kill us. Do I think it's unfair? Honestly, yes. But it's life. People whistle Cholo [Atletico manager Simeone], important players; the fans are demanding. If we win two or three games, it'll change again. We know how we can hurt Liverpool, their strengths and weaknesses, and we always compete against big teams. We have to make the most of the home game. There will be an incredible atmosphere, more than ever."
The Spain international, 25, praised the Reds for their style of play, particularly for their work without the ball when they "press like animals."
Liverpool have taken 103 points from their last possible 105 in the Premier League, having not suffered a top-flight defeat since they fell 2-1 against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in January 2019.
Sadio Mane struck in the 78th minute to snatch the only goal and clinch their 17th successive league victory in dramatic circumstances at Norwich City on Saturday:
That ball from Hendo 🤤 That touch and finish from Mane 😍
Saul said he watched the game at Carrow Road and found fault in Liverpool's performance, the slightest fragility that his Atletico side could capitalise upon more effectively than the Canaries, perhaps:
"Liverpool are very complete, a great team in every area [but] they find it hardest when you're deep because they're very, very, very good in transition. I watched them against Norwich, and if it wasn't for Mane's extraordinary control, they don't win. They've won lots of games they could have drawn or lost, which tells you something about what they have inside. It's not luck. It's work, sacrifice, not giving up a single ball for lost."
It's precisely that hunger that has helped Liverpool establish a 25-point lead at the pinnacle of the Premier League, although second-place Manchester City have one game in hand against their peers.
Klopp said prior to the Norwich win that his focus remained fixed on the Premier League, a dedication to his craft that helped his side continue their remarkable streak, per the Liverpool Echo's Paul Gorst:
Klopp on CL game: "Sometimes when you aren't in a good moment, CL can be a holiday. We are not in that situation. We have one of the most difficult teams to play in Atletico but it is not my problem in the moment. From Monday we will be in a CL mode, if you like"
Many players might understandably feel dejected being drawn against Liverpool in the knockout stages. However, Saul is motivated to accomplish what many have failed to do this season, and when asked how to combat statistics like Liverpool's, he replied: "You break them."
Liverpool posted footage of Monday's training session at Melwood ahead of their first-leg meeting with Los Rojiblancos:
Atletico sit fourth in La Liga after they drew 2-2 away to Valencia on Friday. Getafe sit above Simeone's men in third, while Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal are among the teams also jostling for Champions League qualification.
A win over the defending kings of Europe would go a long way to restoring faith in an Atletico lineup that's stuttered this season.
