We’re into the second half of the Champions League ties from the Round of 16, and we’re back with our predictions as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona join the action. Last week we went 5/6 for results and hit on the PSG-Real Sociedad scoreline too.
Feargal Brennan: Inter Milan come into this game on the back of eight successive wins in across competitions. Simone Inzaghi’s team have stormed into the void left by Napoli this season and they look certain to go on and win Serie A. Inzaghi’s pragmatism was crucial to reaching the final in 2023, but he is up against the master in Diego Simeone. A thumping win over Las Palmas will be a boost for Atletico Madrid with the added bonus of keeping Antoine Griezmann fresh.
Result: Inter Milan 1-1 Atletico Madrid
John Menzies: This is certainly the tie of the round, with two great sides set to go head-to-head. Atletico have a good chance of progressing, but they need to come away from the San Siro with a positive result. However, I can see their away struggles continuing against a strong and in-form Inter side.
Result: Inter Milan 3-1 Atletico Madrid
Ruairidh Barlow: This is a hard one to call, despite the relative ease suggested by the numbers. Atletico Madrid are eighth when it comes to their domestic away record, but also the second-top goalscorers in Europe. Inter have the third-best defence in the Champions League, but on top of that are storming towards the Serie A title. All the talk in Italy is that this side is even better than last year’s but they’re not quite Manchester City or Real Madrid level yet. Inter to overcome Atletico, but not by much, although it will be interesting to see if Diego Simeone reverts to a more cautious approach.
Result: Inter Milan 2-1 Atletico Madrid
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