Champions League history: Which countries have had the most success?
As this season’s tournament reaches its final stages, we have looked back over Champions League history to see which nations have dominated it in various ways.
Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid: Blues to shade it again
Chelsea start the second leg of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 lead and are fancied to build on that advantage. The Blues troubled their opponents on the break in Spain and should have more counter-attack chances here with Los Colchoneros needing to chase a win.
Bayern Munich vs Lazio: Holders can cruise through
Bayern Munich aren’t going to give up their hold on the Champions League trophy lightly, judged on a 4-1 triumph away to Lazio three weeks ago. Hansi Flick’s side have since gone on to secure a trio of entertaining Bundesliga victories, although they did fail to keep a clean sheet in any of those games either.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta: Draw in Spain is value option
An injury-hit Real Madrid returned from Bergamo with a 1-0 Champions League win over Atalanta but the Italian outfit can’t be written off just yet. La Dea were reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes by the harshest of red cards and are fancied to be competitive in Spain with a full compliment.
Man City vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Blues to cruise through
Manchester City made light work of beating a struggling Borussia Monchengladbach side in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. That smooth 2-0 success meant the Blues have gone over 10 hours without conceding a single goal in Europe’s elite club competition.
PSG vs Barcelona: No way back for Catalan outfit
Barcelona produced the greatest second-leg comeback in Champions League history against PSG four years ago and must attempt a similar feat this term. However, that famous triumph was on home turf and Barca were in far better shape than they are right now, so we fear this is a case of mission impossible.
Liverpool vs RB Leipzig: Another welcome Euro boost for Reds
Liverpool’s Champions League second-leg clash with RB Leipzig in Budapest presents punters with a fascinating conundrum. In terms of recent domestic results, the German outfit are in much better form, but the Reds were convincing victors in the first encounter, which was also played in Budapest.
Juventus vs Porto: Bianconeri backed to sneak through
Juventus have work to do to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after losing their opening leg away to Porto but we’re sticking with them. A late Bianconeri goal in that 2-1 defeat left this tie very delicately poised, but we feel the Italian giants have more scope for improvement in the return fixture.
Borussia Dortmund vs Sevilla: Same again in second leg
Sevilla simply couldn’t cope with the pace and power of Borussia Dortmund’s forward line in Spain and we fear a repeat scenario in Germany. Los Rojiblancos did have their moments in a 3-2 loss at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but turning this Champions League tie around will be a tall order.
Man City vs Marseille: All change but City still too good
Manchester City have already won their Champions League group and Pep Guardiola will rotate his squad for the visit of Marseille. City have already picked up 13 points from their first five matches, with last week’s goalless draw at Porto ensuring there is nothing at stake for the hosts in their final match.
Ajax vs Atalanta: Dutch giants rated percentage pick
Ajax have to beat Atalanta in Amsterdam to qualify from Champions League Group D alongside Liverpool and are fancied to achieve that feat. The Dutch giants have performed consistently well during this pool and deserved more from their two 1-0 defeats versus the table-topping Reds.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Monchengladbach: Go for goals
Everything is still to play for in Champions League Group B when Real Madrid entertain Borussia Monchengladbach at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. The Spanish giants could still finish anywhere from top to bottom, while first to third remains possible for their German opponents.
RB Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid: Clean sheet enough for Atletico
Second place in Champions League Group A is up for grabs when RB Salzburg host Atletico Madrid in what could be one of the most exciting ties in the final round of matches. Atletico have a two-point advantage over their hosts and will qualify if they avoid defeat in Austria, with Salzburg knowing they must win.
Midtjylland vs Liverpool: Improving hosts to hold Reds
This is the definition of a dead rubber, as Liverpool are assured of top spot in Group D and Midtjylland will finish fourth whatever happens. However, the hosts should be playing for pride and have improved throughout the pool stage, picking up a first point at Atalanta on Matchday 5.