Idman.biz
Today, February 24, four of the eight return matches of the Champions League play-off stage will be held.
Idman.Biz reports that the football evening promises to be quite intense and interesting: in some pairs, the intrigue remains after a productive draw, while in others, the favorite has already taken a serious step towards the 1/8 finals.
"Newcastle" - "Qarabag"
In the first game in Baku, the English club almost solved the issue of the next stage with a 6:1 victory. Anthony Gordon scored a poker in the first half, bringing the advantage to a decisive point before the break. Given the game in the first match, the probability of Aghdam representative eliminating the five-goal difference is minimal. In the upcoming match, the main goal for "Qarabag" is to complete the European Cup season with dignity.
The home side has losses: Eddie Howe will not be able to use the services of Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento and Emil Kraft. Considering the result in Baku, the "magpies" are expected to protect their leaders and give them a chance only if needed. The Aghdam club, on the other hand, has set a goal to demonstrate a more disciplined game and create a positive impression.
"Atletico" – "Brugge"
The first match in Belgium ended in a 3:3 draw. Although "Atletico" took the lead twice in the game (2:0 and 3:2), they missed the victory due to a goal conceded in the 89th minute. Thus, the fate of the ticket to the next stage will be decided in Madrid.
Diego Simeone's team understands that any mistake in this scenario can be decisive. The winner today will advance to the 1/8 finals, and if there is a tie on aggregate of two games, extra time will be assigned. Simeone said in his pre-match statement that the confrontation remained open and stressed the importance of his team being more careful in defense.
"Inter" – "Bude-Glimt"
In Norway, the last vice-champion of the Champions League unexpectedly lost 1:3 and is now forced to make a comeback at "San-Siro". Although the first half was equal, "Inter" conceded two goals after the break and found themselves in a difficult situation.
To take the match to extra time, the Milan team needs a two-goal difference victory, and a three-goal advantage for a direct ticket. The team's captain, Lautaro Martinez, has been diagnosed with a strain in the cambalvari muscle of his left calf, and his participation in the return game is questionable. Head coach Kristian Kivu said that the team believes in the comeback and will show aggressive football from the first minutes.
"Bayer" – "Olympiacos"
Leverkusen representative returned from Piraeus with a 2:0 victory. Thanks to Patrik Schick's double in the second half, the German club took a serious step towards the next stage, but the issue has not yet been fully resolved.
Olympiacos needs at least a two-goal difference victory to hope for extra time. The main task for "Bayer" is to play disciplined and not give the opponent an early goal opportunity. The Leverkusen team is determined to rehabilitate in the European Cup after the last defeat in the Bundesliga.
