⛅️ UCL forecast: All eyes on Old Trafford and Juventus in jeopardy? | OneFootball

The Champions League returns this week with some thrilling knockout stage action to look forward to.

💪 Game of the week

Manchester United v Atlético Madrid

Following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Spain, it’s all or nothing for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in the round of 16 and one of them must bow out.

Neither Manchester United nor Atlético Madrid have been in their best form this season, sitting fifth and fourth in their respective leagues, and often struggle to keep clean sheets. But it’s precisely that which makes this clash a must-watch.

Someone needs to rise to the occasion and both clubs have the personalities to do so. Luis Suárez and João Félix can turn a match on a dime, while Marcos Llorente was a previous hero against an English club (Liverpool in 2020).

Meanwhile, this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s favourite competition against his favourite opponents, scoring 13 goals in 15 home matches against the Rojiblancos and Anthony Elanga proved to be a bright spark off the bench.

It’s going to be another dramatic one at Old Trafford and both managers will hope to avoid being the one forced to explain their early exit after the full-time whistle.

📊 Fun fact: United have won 12 of 17 UEFA competition fixtures where they earned a first-leg away draw.

🔮 Our prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Atlético Madrid

🤔 Too close to call

Ajax v Benfica

Another first leg draw sets up a tense meeting as Ajax and Benfica go head-to-head in a match that is still up for grabs.

Sébastien Haller looks set to lead the line for the hosts and sits one goal behind Robert Lewandowski’s leading goal tally (12) for the competition, while Antony could pull the strings in midfield as the competition’s third-highest assist creator (five).

Benfica, meanwhile, have highly coveted striker Darwin Núñez in their pocket as well as Jan Vertonghen leading the back line. Plus, they proved they’re not down and out back in Portugal after putting up a fight to keep things all square for the second leg.

The Eredivisie leaders will hope they can stay on track to repeat their marvellous run in 2018/19, while Benfica look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015/16.

The atmosphere in Amsterdam, however, could make a big difference and act as a 12th man for the hosts.

📊 Fun fact: Ajax are unbeaten in their last five Champions League home games against Portuguese clubs, while Benfica only have one win from 10 away matches against Dutch opponents in European competitions.

🔮 Our prediction: Ajax 3-1 Benfica

😨 Potential upset

Juventus v Villarreal

Despite Dušan Vlahovič scoring 33 seconds into the first leg, Villarreal were able to pin Juventus back for most of the match holding more possession and registering more chances and more shots on target.

Now as the clubs head to Turin the pressure is on Massimiliano Allegri’s side to get the job done in front of home fans and avoid a third consecutive exit in the round of 16 to underdogs (previously Lyon and Porto).

The Old Lady have been doing well in Serie A as of late and are unbeaten in eight league matches but have also failed to make a statement in clashes against big-name clubs like Milan, Atalanta and in the Turin derby.

Villarreal, meanwhile, will walk into the Allianz Stadium with nothing to lose. Despite sitting seventh in LaLiga they managed to take points off leaders Real Madrid not once but twice this season and also did the same against Atlético Madrid.

📊 Fun fact: Juve have lost just five of their 49 European matches at the Allianz Stadium (W32, D12) but four of those are from their last 17.

🔮 Our prediction: Juventus 1-2 Villarreal

🤩 Star man

Kai Havertz (Chelsea)

Last year’s Champions League winner continues to be at his very best for Thomas Tuchel on seemingly every stage.

The 22-year-old has become the focal point of Chelsea’s attack, outshining Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku and rewarded his manager’s backing with four goals and one assist in his last three starts.

Having already scored in the first leg, he’ll likely return to haunt Lille.