AS Roma V FC Barcelona
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals, Leg 2 (1-4 aggregate)
Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 2:45PM EST Stream LIVE on Fox Sports Facebook Page
Last week in Leg 1, we witnessed a rusty and imprecise Barcelona manage to win by three goals at the Camp Nou against a Roma side that seemed to play one of its best matches of the season. This depicts the difference in quality between these two clubs. When the Azulgrana aren’t at their best, they still have the capability of producing goals simply by putting pressure on their opponent— the two own goals that Roma conceded, was especially indicative of this. With that said, Leg 2 will be staged in front of Roma’s faithful, in the shadows of Saint Peter’s Square. Will a prayer be answered for the Wolves? For Roma, even though the first leg didn't go according to plan, they at least earned a crucial away goal, meaning a 3-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico would see the Wolves pull of a remarkable comeback against one of Europe’s top clubs. Despite Roma’s previous loss, this is possible. In recent time, Barca hasn't faired very well in UCL Knockout Phase away matches. In 2016, they lost 2-0 in the Quarterfinals to Atletico Madrid. In 2017, the Blaugrana lost 4-0 to PSG in the Round of 16, and 3-0 to Juventus in the Quarterfinals. Finally, this year Barcelona sneaked by with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea in the round of 16, courtesy of a horrendous turnover by Andreas Christiansen. Thus, hope may indeed spring eternal for Roma tonight against a star studded Barca side.
LSB Prediction: It’s been a decade since Roma fans have seen their Wolves play in the UCL quarterfinals, thus I’m anticipating a seismic sounding Stadio Olimpico. The crowd will definitely play its part in this match, at least in the early stages. Roma will feed off of the fans energy, producing an early goal. But quickly thereafter, Lionel Messi will put a pin in the proceedings. With two goals of his own, he’ll quiet the crowd and ultimately ease Barca into the semifinals. 2-1 FC Barcelona (Barcelona advance 6-2 on aggregate)
Manchester City V Liverpool FC
UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals, Leg 2 (0-3 aggregate)
Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 2:45PM EST FS1
The other fixture, playing simultaneously, on Tuesday is Pep’s Man City against Klopp’s Liverpool. So far this season, Manchester City has lost just four matches in all competitions, and two of them have been against the Reds at Anfield! It appears that Jurgen Klopp is Pep Guardiola’s kryptonite. In 12 meetings, Klopp has the edge in head-to-head record with his side’s accruing six wins to Guardiola’s teams winning on five occasions, each drawing once. The Cityzens need to even up this friendly rivalry in the not so friendly arena of the UCL quarterfinals second leg, and Man City must do so emphatically. With Man City trailing the tie 0-3, they must score a bevy of goals whilst not conceding. A tall task, but one that isn’t completely out of the question. Remember, the Cityzens are the Premier League champions-elect, have already won the Carabao Cup, and possess the best attacking unit in England from a scoring output aspect. Couple the squad’s quality with having it’s home supporters behind them, and Liverpool’s backline always having you hold your breath, and this fixture looks poised to be a massive comeback with Leg 2 going into extra-time.
LSB Prediction: As I write this article, Mo Salah is still questionable for playing in this fixture. Assuming he isn’t able to play or he’s not at full strength, Liverpool will be ineffective going forward for the vast majority of this game, and the counter attacks will be ammo-less without the Egyptian’s full-fit presence. Thus, it’ll be one way traffic for Manchester City as they’ll be seeking goals aplenty at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne will strike from distance and Leroy Sane will tap-in from close range to make it 2-0 at halftime (rather similar to the Man United match at the weekend). This time though, unlike the Red Devils game, Man City will indeed keep it going, and equalize on aggregate through Sergio Aguero forcing extra-time. Then in ET, it’ll be Aguero assisting to his striker partner Gabriel Jesus for the tie winner! Sheer ecstasy for the boys in blue, and an absolute disaster Klopp and his Reds. 4-0 ET Manchester City FC (Man City advances on 4-3 aggregate)