The Champions League resumes this week with a few underdogs looking to upset some of the favourites in the competition.
Besiktas overcame stiff opponents in the group stage to qualify for the knockout stage. They will be hoping to overcome Bayern Munich and continue their strong run in the tournament.
Here is the case for each underdog in this week’s first leg matches.
CHELSEA
The Premier League champions have recovered in recent weeks after suffering some shocking losses. They strolled past West Bromwich Albion and crushed Hull City in the FA Cup this past weekend. Of course, facing Barcelona is a much tougher prospect.
History is on their side in this fixture, though. Chelsea is unbeaten versus Barcelona in seven straight games and Lionel Messi has never scored against the Blues in eight Champions League meetings. However, this will be the first matchup since the 2011-12 semifinals, so plenty has changed in six years.
As for this season, Antonio Conte beat Atletico Madrid with its own strengths in the group stage, mainly set pieces and a stingy defence. Barca struggled to break down Valencia and Atletico in their most recent clashes in La Liga. Both teams crowded the central channels and cut out passes in the half-spaces. The Valencians were eventually foiled by a Luis Suarez goal after he was left open in the box.
Since Chelsea plays with three centre-backs, including the sublime Andreas Christensen, there will be less space in the penalty area. Additionally, if Conte sets up with three in the midfield, that matches up well with Barcelona’s midfield. That would mirror what Valencia and Atletico attempted, which could guide Chelsea to a favourable result.
BESIKTAS
The first leg between Bayern Munich and Besiktas will be at the Allianz Arena, where the Bavarians rarely lose, but there is still a decent chance at an upset here.
First, Besiktas’ defence has been impeccable in the Champions League thus far. Pepe has anchored a backline that only conceded five goals in the group stage. The Black Eagles took on RB Leipzig, Monaco and Porto. All three teams are among the highest-scoring sides in their respective domestic leagues, so maintaining a strong defensive record in that group is quite impressive.
Additionally, Besiktas has tactical flexibility. It has the ability to absorb pressure and counter-attack, which was evident in the 3-1 win at Porto, plus the Turkish champions controlled every aspect of their 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig.
Ryan Babel and Ricardo Quaresma have combined for two goals and four assists in the Champions League. Both players have enjoyed resurgent careers in Turkey, while Anderson Talisca has pitched in with four goals. The Brazilian is also an outstanding technical player with exceptional vision. If anyone can unlock the Bayern defence, it’s Talisca.
SEVILLA
Manchester United is favoured to progress over Sevilla, but the Spanish side could easily advance to the quarterfinals for a number of reasons.
Since Vincenzo Montella took over as coach, Sevilla has only lost three games in all competitions compared to seven under Eduardo Berizzo. Steven N’Zonzi’s return to form in the heart of midfield has boosted the team’s form. Pablo Sarabia has five goals and three assists in his last eight starts, which has transformed the attack.
Sevilla also has a very balanced midfield. N’Zonzi and Guido Pizarro are an ideal pivot duo in midfield with their incredible passing range and astute defensive qualities. They will be able to control the tempo of the game, while Franco Vazquez will create in his regular playmaking role. Given how shaky Man United’s defence has looked recently, the Argentine could pose a threat.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
In all honesty, Shakhtar Donetsk should arguably be the favourite over Roma across the two legs.
The Ukrainian club challenged Manchester City in both of their matches in the group stage, winning the final meeting. Shakhtar also dominated Napoli in the opening game, which eventually allowed The Miners to advance to the round of 16.
Shakhtar play very similarly to Man City. Paulo Fonseca’s side love to control possession, play out from the back and utilize the width of the pitch. Fred and Taras Stepanenko are the lynchpins in midfield, with the former pushing forward to create and the latter staying back for cover. Marlos and Bernard are dynamic wingers who constantly cut inside, while Facundo Ferreyra forms a strong partnership with Taison up the middle.
However, Shakhtar can also play more direct, which makes them a big threat on counter-attacks. Fonseca has identified a clear system with an alternative in case of emergency. Eusebio Di Francesco’s Roma is toothless and have loads of underperforming players, especially in midfield. That is why the Ukrainians have a realistic chance of reaching the final eight of the Champions League.
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