Champagne Football is Back! What Are Your Predictions?

Two teams from England, two from Italy and two from Spain. One from Germany and France make up the eight teams that will kick off Champions League action this month, after the five-month hiatus.

While four teams have gained their passage to the Champions League quarter-finals, these eight teams have to fight for the four remaining spots. Once done, the race for the semis will then kick off.

With the return of Champagne Football, what are your predictions?

1. Juventus vs. Lyon

Lyon go into this game with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. That was their first-ever win over the Old Lady, in six meetings. And now, the French side will be looking to finish Ronaldo and co. Off.

Standing in-between them is the little issue of Juventus’ home run. The Italian side have scored two or more goals in their last 12 competitive home wins, seven of which they kept a clean sheet in. There’s also the matter of Lyon’s poor away record in the Champions League. They have only won one of their last six Champions League away games.

2. Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea

Through the month of July, Bayern only played to competitive games – friendlies. Since crowned champions in June, the Bavarians have been quietly waiting for Frank Lampard’s Blues.

Chelsea, on the other hand, played eight games during the same period, losing three and winning five. As they travel to Germany, they trail the Germans by three goals. Overturning the deficit is not impossible, although word on the street is that Chelsea are just going a tour of Germany with this tie. LOL.

3. Manchester City vs. Real Madrid

Every of Manchester City’s last 22 games produced a winner – 16 wins and 6 losses. With draws very rare, both sides in this clash will be hoping the trend continues.

A win for Manchester City in this clash will see them leverage on their first-leg 2-1 win over the Zidane’s side. Having won seven straight matches at home, Guardiola will be hoping to get the better of his opponent in this Battle of Football’s Baldies.

Real Madrid, the latest champions of Spain, won 10 of their last 11 on their way to the title. In addition to that, they have won three of their last four games against City in the Champions League.

4. Barcelona vs. Napoli

This is Barcelona’s only shot of winning a trophy this season. With the first leg finishing in a 1-1 draw, it’s a winner-takes-all game. Should they be unable to win, the Italian outfit will be hoping that the game ends in a draw, preferably one that finishes with both sides scoring two or more goals.

But games between both sides rarely finish in a draw. In fact, the last game between both sides was the only one that finished in a draw, with the four before it producing a winner.

Which team is going through to the quarter-final? Share your thoughts below.