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Reigning champions Chelsea were lucky in the draw. French Lille were something of a dream opponent for the London club when the round of 16 finals in the Champions League were drawn on Monday. This is what the match pair looks like.
Sporting-Juventus
Sporting gained momentum in their game and goal shooting in the group stage after a tentative start. Juventus won their group and have a better and wider material, but Sporting is not without a chance.
Von Wendt’s Percent: 40-60
Chelsea-Lille
It could have been Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. It became Lille and in west London you could draw a sigh of relief. Lille is admittedly a good team but no team that will cause any major problems for The Blues.
Von Wendt’s Percent: 85-15
PSG-Manchester United
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo. No doubt which match pair will attract the most attention.
A month ago, PSG had been a giant favorite, but United have perked up under Ralf Rangnick and have the material to upset PSG.
Von Wendt’s Percent: 60-40
Benfica-Real Madrid
Nitlott for Benfica. Real Madrid has to some extent sailed a bit under the radar during the autumn, but the game is quite good and the results are impressive. It’s hard to see that the Lisbon club can threaten the Madrid giant.
von Wendts percent: 25-75
Villarreal-Manchester City
Villarreal barely moved on from the group stage, but the team will not go further than this.
Manchester City are horse lengths ahead in each sub-area and win fairly easily.
Von Wendt’s Percent: 15-85
Salzburg-Liverpool
The entertainment value is not likely to be a major mistake as Salzburg is not known for being a team that goes back home.
Liverpool’s express football will still be too much as Mo Salah et consortes will use the areas Salzburg exposes.
von Wendts percent: 10-90
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Inter-Ajax
Inter lead Serie A and have had an excellent season so far. On paper, Inter is stronger but Ajax is one of the teams that has impressed the most in Europe this year.
Ajax believes in their football and has every chance to move on here.
von Wendts percent: 50-50
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Atletico Madrid-Bayern Munich
Atleti has not impressed more than occasionally during the autumn. Bayern leads the Bundesliga and is one of the favorites in the Champions League.
Diego Simeone will probably use his most cynical, game-destroying and brutal football in an attempt to upset Bayern.
Von Wendt’s Percent: 30-70
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