Free Football Champions League Predictions for Wednesday, March 18th
Barcelona vs Newcastle
In the first leg in England, Newcastle had the upper hand. This is also reflected in the expected goals statistics: 1.56 xG for the "Magpies" compared to 0.76 for the Catalans. However, a penalty in the dying moments saved Hansi Flick's team, and now at the "Camp Nou," the situation will be reversed: Barcelona is the favorite in this matchup.
Last weekend, both teams secured important victories in their respective leagues and approach the return leg in good spirits. Barcelona thrashed Sevilla at home (5:2) and continues to maintain a four-point lead over Real Madrid. Newcastle, on the other hand, defeated Chelsea away (1:0), but still remains in the middle of the league table. The "Magpies" perform well on the road, but they do not often secure victories against top opponents. Meanwhile, Barcelona has won 15 consecutive home matches.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Newcastle: Barcelona to Win
Bayern vs Atalanta
Bayern has almost settled the question of advancing to the quarter-finals in the first leg. Few were surprised, but not many expected the Munich team to score six goals in Bergamo. As the return match approaches, it becomes clear that these goals were not superfluous for Vincent Kompany's team: a large number of key players will miss the match due to suspensions and injuries. One of the two young reserve goalkeepers listed in the tournament squad may debut in goal.
Atalanta does not face such serious personnel issues and will play for a win at the "Allianz Arena," as they have nothing to lose. The Bergamasques are unlikely to seriously believe in a comeback, but Raffaele Palladino's team is quite capable of unsettling their opponent, especially considering that Bayern's defense has not been a model of reliability this season. However, Munich's attack remains extremely dangerous even in the absence of Olise and Musiala, so we still believe in the hosts.
Match Prediction for Bayern vs Atalanta: Bayern to Win with a Handicap (-1.5)
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
The Turkish club managed to narrowly defeat the Merseysiders in the first leg, thanks in part to the strong support from fans at "Rams Park." The "Lions" then also thrashed Basaksehir at home (3:0) and continue to confidently hold the top spot after 26 rounds of the national Super League. Okan Buruk's team is on a five-match winning streak, so the atmosphere within the squad remains positive.
The "Reds," however, have won only two of their last five matches. After returning from Istanbul to Liverpool, Arne Slot's team failed to defeat a struggling Tottenham at home (1:1). Nevertheless, despite certain problems this season, the Merseysiders are expected to beat Galatasaray by at least two goals, especially considering that in 4 out of 5 away matches in the Champions League, the "Lions" have been defeated by their opponents.
Match Prediction for Liverpool vs Galatasaray: Liverpool to Win with a Handicap (-1.5)
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
The "Colchoneros" have 99% secured their spot in the quarter-finals thanks to a significant home victory over the "Spurs". Considering the squad issues within the London team, a comeback seems unlikely, but there remains that 1% chance for an upset. Diego Simeone will have to manage without Jan Oblak, but he can rely on Juan Musso, who made three saves in the match against Getafe (1:0) and helped his team secure three crucial points in La Liga.
Tottenham, under the management of Igor Tudor, managed to break their losing streak and did not lose their last match: after four consecutive defeats, the "Spurs" managed to equalize late in the game against Liverpool (1:1). However, the Londoners are facing serious issues not only with injuries: the club is sitting in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone with eight rounds remaining in the championship. It's unlikely that the players themselves believe in a European miracle, so the team's priority now seems to be maintaining their place in the Premier League.
