Looking back on our ucl predictions
Let’s take a look at how the first leg of all of the UCL Round-of-16 matches panned out, and how they fit into our predictions we dropped in our most recent video.
Liverpool vs Galatasaray —— Predicted Agg: 4-1 —— After First Leg: 0-1
Well, it clearly wasn’t the start that Liverpool was looking for. They can easily get back in it, and a 4-0 win is a possibility for them to still land a 4-1 aggregate, especially meeting next time in Anfield. Liverpool did have them beat in possession and shots, but Galatasaray generated more pressure with a higher total of corners and offsides calls. Great start for the Turkish side, needing this advantage if they hope to pass on. Again though, don’t sleep on Liverpool’s attack.
Atalanta vs Bayern —— Predicted Agg: 2-5 —— After First Leg: 1-6
Okay so this went pretty much according to plan, just a little stronger than anticipated. They haven’t even made it to Munich for the next leg yet, but I did predict domination from the Bayern squad. The midfield dominance and possession of 71% really told the story, again that was a point in our video as to what makes Bayern such a successful club.
Newcastle vs Barcelona —— Predicted Agg: 4-5 —— After First Leg: 1-1
Like I said… grit match. It’s going to be close and going to have a great atmosphere in leg two, I just assumed a little more scoring from both sides. Either way this was a successful match for both squads, the only thing keeping Newcastle from a clean sheet being a late penalty.
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham —— Predicted Agg: 4-3 —— After First Leg: 5-2
This one is also going according to plan. Given Tottenham’s stellar defense, I assumed it would take longer than the first 6’ for Atletico to notch a goal, but they secured three before the half. Either way, we knew Tottenham would choke. Maybe when they are back in London they can make it less brutal, but their UCL run is definitely over.
PSG vs Chelsea —— Predicted Agg: 3-4 —— After First Leg: 5-2
Yeah, honestly this one I missed. PSG has been making idiotic mistakes lately, but they played damn near perfect here. Chelsea on the other hand has been amazing in all competitions lately, but they absolutely bottled this. To let up 3 goals in the last 15 minutes of a match is a Tottenham move, and Chelsea should have been better than that. This went the complete opposite of how I presumed.
Bodoe/Glimt vs Sporting CP —— Predicted Agg: 2-3 —— After First Leg: 3-0
Again, this did not go how I though. Bodoe is on an undeniable run now, and should be treated as lethal as any Premier League team (except maybe Arsenal). I’m excited for them, and I do hope that Sporting puts up a thorough fight back considering how well they have done to get here.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City —— Predicted Agg: 3-2 —— After First Leg: 3-0
Okay so first I would like to say “I told you so” as I called probably the biggest upset of the round. Second of all, VALVERDE YOU DIRTY DOG. A new UCL record, the first hattrick in a single half I believe. What an incredible show, and it just took too long for City’s defense to adjust. A 2-0 scoreline favoring MCFC is very likely, come their home match, and this could be the exact correct score. However, I predict Madrid will tack on another or so and fully put Manchester to bed.
Arsenal vs Leverkusen —— Predicted Agg: 5-1 —— After First Leg: 1-1
This is tricky because a 4-0 home win for Arsenal is incredibly possible, but Leverkusen has shown that they can put up a fight. I expected this first leg to go 3-1 or 2-1, but not as low as a 1-1 draw. Like I said in the video though, Arsenal has one of the best full -body teams, they won’t let Leverkusen advance.
Not too bad in terms of predictions, and the game flow going fairly according to script. Can’t wait to see which 8 of these teams emerge from this round to the next!