This week marks the second legs of the Champions League play-off round, where teams vie for a coveted spot in the last 16 of the competition.
With several high-profile teams facing uncertainty, we delve into five pressing questions as the matches unfold.
Advertisement
Australian fans can follow the thrilling action and bet with Ladbrokes.
Can Real Madrid seal the deal?
Following a dramatic encounter in their last league game, where Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a last-minute winner, the two teams faced off in the knockout stage last week without the same intensity.
The first leg, unfortunately, was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse from Gianluca Prestianni towards Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who scored the sole goal of the match. Prestianni now faces a provisional ban as an investigation unfolds.
Advertisement
This sets the stage for a passionate return clash at the Bernabéu, especially with José Mourinho at the helm, regardless of Prestianni’s presence.
However, Real Madrid heads into this match after a setback against Osasuna that cost them the top spot in La Liga.
Did they do enough in Portugal to avoid a major European upset?
Will Bodø/Glimt’s fairytale continue?
Bodø/Glimt might just be the best-managed club in football, especially considering their remarkable achievements on the continental stage given their stature.
Hailing from a town in the Arctic Circle with a mere 42,000 residents, their fans are set to descend on San Siro on Tuesday, hopeful for what could be the pinnacle of their European adventures following their 3-1 victory in the first leg.
Having defeated heavyweights like Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid, if they can eliminate Serie A’s leaders in this two-legged clash, it will be a remarkable achievement for coach Kjetil Knutsen.
It truly is a footballing fairytale for a team exceeding expectations.
Dortmund star on the verge of history
In the history of the Champions League, only five players have netted 20 goals in their first 28 appearances: Filippo Inzaghi, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Alessandro Del Piero, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, who reached this milestone in only his 14th match.
Now aiming to join this elite group is Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who has impressively scored 19 goals in his first 27 matches in Europe’s top competition and looks to cement his legacy this week as Dortmund faces Atalanta.
Is a historic comeback possible?
Even the most loyal Juventus fans would struggle to argue their case for advancing to the next round, as they confront a daunting 5-2 deficit against Galatasaray from the first leg.
Advertisement
Past performances don’t bode well; Juventus has lost their last five Champions League knockout ties, and the only time they faced a similar three-goal deficit in the first leg, they were controversially eliminated by Real Madrid.
In fact, in the competition’s history, only four teams have progressed after losing the away leg by three or more goals.
Additionally, Galatasaray has never been defeated in European ties where they held a three-goal lead from the first leg.
Advertisement
If Juventus hopes to move forward, it will require an extraordinary performance seldom seen in football.
Do the holders face any concerns?
PSG finds themselves in a comfortable position ahead of their all-French clash against Monaco, despite a shaky start that saw them fall 2-0 behind within 18 minutes.
Yet, Luis Enrique’s side showed their champion mettle, bouncing back to claim victory and demonstrate their intent to defend their title.
Out of their last 40 fixtures in Europe, PSG has progressed 33 times after winning the first leg and boasts an impressive record of 19 wins from their last 20 matches when they secured a win away.
Monaco, meanwhile, has managed to win only once in their last eight Champions League away games.
Advertisement
Despite some injury concerns, particularly regarding Ousmane Dembélé and Fabián Ruiz, PSG should navigate this tie without complications.