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Champions League Knockout Phase Previews: AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Benfica, and More
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League knockout phase is set to feature some of the biggest clubs in the world, including AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Benfica. As these powerhouses battle it out, we’ve got previews and predictions for every match on Wednesday’s big European football night.
AC Milan vs. Feyenoord
This matchup pits two former Champions League winners against each other, as Feyenoord has defied the odds to reach this stage of the tournament. However, they’ll need a home victory to have a realistic chance of advancing against the Italian giants, AC Milan. The key man for Feyenoord in attack is Igor Paixao, as their star striker Santiago Gimenez, Mexico’s top player, was recently transferred to AC Milan and will line up against his former teammates. AC Milan made some significant moves in the January transfer window, including the acquisitions of Kyle Walker and Joao Felix. While AC Milan is fighting to improve their 7th-place position in Serie A, their opponents sit 5th in the Dutch Eredivisie. The CONCACAF attacking duo of Pulisic and Gimenez, combined with the flashes of talent from Felix, will be a tough task for Feyenoord to defend against. Although Feyenoord may put up a fight, AC Milan’s recent momentum suggests they hold the edge. Prediction: AC Milan 3-1 Feyenoord
Bayern Munich vs. Celtic
One of Europe’s most decorated clubs, Bayern Munich, travels to Glasgow to face Scotland’s finest, Celtic. Both teams are dominating their respective domestic leagues once again, with only one league loss each. However, Champions League glory would mean so much more. In terms of squad valuation, Bayern Munich are facing a minnow, but Celtic fought hard to reach this point in the group stage and will be determined to give themselves a shot at victory when they travel to Munich next week. Bayern Munich have been fantastic at home but struggled on the road, so this is Celtic’s opportunity. Kyogo Furuhashi’s absence will be felt, as the talismanic striker recently transferred to Reims after leading Celtic in goals this season. Lined up against Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala leading the Bayern attack, this should be a rather one-sided affair, as Bayern won’t want to leave any doubt after the first leg. Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Celtic
Atalanta vs. Club Brugge
Club Brugge have punched above their weight in the Champions League at times, but facing the team currently sitting 3rd in Italy, Atalanta, on the road will be a tough challenge. These teams finished far apart in the group stage standings, with Atalanta just outside the top 8, while Brugge were the last team to qualify for this phase. Brugge has been productive offensively but has experienced a cold streak overall, which included late-goal losses against Antwerp in early February. Charles De Ketelaere, one of Brugge’s finest talents, will line up against his former team as he now plays for Atalanta, similar to the Santiago Gimenez situation. Brugge is well-drilled defensively, but Atalanta’s quality should shine through, and they’ll likely head to Belgium with the lead in hand. Prediction: Atalanta 1-0 Club Brugge
AS Monaco vs. Benfica
After their rivals Sporting CP were embarrassed against Dortmund in the first leg on Tuesday, Benfica, currently 2nd in Portugal, will look to restore the honor of Portuguese football when they travel to the principality to take on AS Monaco, who sit 4th in Ligue 1. Benfica faced Monaco during the group stages and emerged victorious 3-2 at this same venue, a result that would suit them well as they host the second leg. Monaco has preferred starters injured in every phase of the lineup, including Lamine Camara. Benfica’s veteran leader Angel Di Maria should be ready to go for the Eagles, who on paper have enough quality in their squad to avoid defeat here and potentially secure a win, making Monaco’s path to advancement more challenging. Prediction: Benfica 2-1 AS Monaco
Don’t miss the action as these European giants battle it out in the Champions League knockout phase! Stay tuned for updates and highlights from these thrilling matchups.
