© EuroFootball.com
Today, after a short break, the UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches are back. Teams have nowhere to retreat, players must play to the end.
Tuesday night will bring us a real "football dessert". Without a doubt, the match between "Manchester United" and Madrid's "Real" will attract the most attention. The clash between Dortmund's "Borussia" and Donetsk's "Shakhtar" players will also be an interesting battle.
"Manchester United" - Madrid's "Real"
Two of the most famous clubs in the world will meet at "Old Trafford" stadium. The first leg at the "Santiago Bernabeu" fortress between these two giants ended in a 1-1 draw. The first ones to unexpectedly break the deadlock were the "Red Devils" after Danny Welbeck's goal, but the former English vice-champion Cristiano Ronaldo equalized the score.
The more favorable result is for Sir Alex Ferguson's apprentices, as in Manchester they only need a goalless draw. However, with the referee's whistle, the scoreboard should show a different outcome. Both clubs like to attack. "Man Utd" excels in ball control, while "Real" is dangerous on the counterattacks.
"Manchester United" confidently strides towards the title in the country's top league (the English Premier League). They hold a solid 12-point lead over their closest pursuers, the "Man City" club. It seems that Jose Mourinho's team will not be able to defend the Spanish champions' title this season. The "Barcelona" players in the first place have a 13-point lead over the third-placed "Real".
Both "United" and "Real" have been showing excellent form lately. The multiple English champions have celebrated four victories and one draw in their last five matches, with the Madrid-based rivals having similar statistics. The Royal Club has enjoyed convincing victories against their fierce Catalan opponents in their last two meetings.
The starting lineups for the teams should be usual. likely not see the versatile Phil Jones in the "Man Utd" team. All players will be available for the "Real" team. Marcelo, returning from injury, should still play a substitute role. Fans have received great news that Iker Casillas is registered for this match, but he will certainly not be included in the starting lineup.
"Borussia Dortmund" - "Shakhtar Donetsk"
The other round of 16 match will take place in Dortmund this time, where the local "Borussia" will face Donetsk's "Shakhtar". The first leg in Ukraine also ended in a 2-2 draw. The hosts' goals were scored by Darijo Srna and Douglas Costa, while Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels stood out for the other side.
Just like "Man Utd," it is slightly easier for the German champions to advance to the quarterfinals. At home, a 0-0 or 1-1 draw would be enough. The Donetsk team has been a true surprise this season, as they managed to eliminate the previous season's league winners, London's "Chelsea," from the tournament. Jurgen Klopp's players are undoubtedly the favorites, but it is still too early to draw conclusions, as the Ukrainians can surprise.
"Borussia" is currently in second place in the German "Bundesliga." However, it is doubtful that the champions will be able to defend their title, as the first-placed "Bayern Munich" lead by a 17-point margin. After the winter break, "Shakhtar" remains at the top of the Ukrainian "Premier League." They are 13 points ahead of their closest pursuers.
The lineups for the teams are still unclear. The "Black and Yellows" will have to do without their main player Mats Hummels in defense, whom the head coach plans to leave on the bench. All players in the Donetsk team are ready to take the field, so the starting eleven will remain the same.
