Hey there! The UEFA Champions League round of 16 got off to a thrilling start on Tuesday, and hopes are high that Wednesday’s action delivers similar entertainment. I’m Pardeep Cattry with a Champions League-themed update.
📺 Footy fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Wednesday, March 5
🇪🇺 UCL: Feyenoord vs. Inter, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
🏴 WSL: Chelsea vs. Leicester, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🇪🇺 UCL: Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🌎 CCC: Herediano vs. LA Galaxy, 8:30 p.m. ➡️ FS2
Thursday, March 6
🇪🇺 UEL: Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United, 12:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🇪🇺 UEL: Ajax vs. Eintracht Frankfurt, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🌎 CCC: Inter Miami vs. Cavalier, 8 p.m. ➡️ FS2
⚽ The Forward Line
🇪🇸 Real Madrid beats Atletico in first leg
Real Madrid drew first blood in their round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid, notching a 2-1 win in a competitive first leg.
The scoreline reflects a closely-contested game in which the teams traded meaningful spells of possession, impressive attacking moments and ultimately, three extremely well-taken goals. Rodrygo kicked things off by giving Real Madrid the lead just four minutes in, but Atletico had their equalizer shortly after the half-hour mark thanks to Julian Alvarez. Things eventually broke Los Blancos’ way in the second half courtesy of Brahim Diaz, and then the reigning champions did well to slow down the tempo of the game and collect a narrow first leg advantage.
In a season of inconsistency for Real Madrid, Tuesday’s victory offered a first signal that they are still the team to beat in this competition. Los Blancos’ run to the title last season was defined by an uncanny ability to win even in imperfect circumstances, a habit that has not always been on display this campaign. It raised questions about whether or not they would be able to beat an in-form Atletico, but Chuck Booth writes that the first leg victory arguably feels like a return to normal for Real Madrid – and at just the right time.
Booth: “Frankly, outside of a rivalry win meaning a little more, this is business as usual for Los Blancos. They rotated just enough to keep the team fresh in La Liga over the weekend and came out to win a UCL knockout game and will now look to win another one next week. The phrase, ‘If you come at the king, you best not miss,’ is reserved for Real Madrid in the Champions League. Even after winning the title last season, they were already looking forward to another one and now they’ve already gotten past Manchester City and are 90 minutes from getting past Atletico Madrid. A job well done so far, but this is far from over.”
A narrow one goal advantage, though, means Real Madrid still have plenty to prove when they meet at Atletico’s grounds next week. The big question, then, is if Carlo Ancelotti’s side are peaking at the right time or if their inconsistencies this season will cost them a spot in the quarterfinals.
💰 The Back Line
💵 Best bets
- UEFA Europa League: Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United, Thursday, 12:45 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Real Sociedad to win 1-0 (+650) – A game between La Liga’s ninth place side and the Premier League’s 14th place team does not inspire confidence if one’s looking for a top-quality game, especially so since goalscoring is not exactly a strong suit for either side. Expect a modest scoreline by the end of the first leg of this round of 16 tie, but that the scales might tip in Real Sociedad’s favor considering how dismal Manchester United’s season has been.
