UEFA Champions League Prediction [14-15th August]

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

PREDICTION: Bayern Wins & Qualifies

This is an absolute mammoth tie with a lot at stake for both teams. The winner will book themselves a place in the Champions League semi-final and neither of these sides can afford to miss out on their spot.

Barcelona is looking to salvage their season after losing the league title to their fierce rivals, Real Madrid.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich is seeking European glory again following their previous win 7 years ago which is far too long for some Munich fans. Bayern Munich comes into this off of the back of a Bundesliga title win in which they dominated, winning their last 5 games and scoring 100 goals across the season.

Barcelona comes into this with a bad domestic season under their belt however Messi showed he’s ready to fight for another European title with an inspired performance against Napoli. According to worldfootball.net¹, the last two European cup ties between these teams ended in high-scoring results. In 2013, Bayern Munich thrashed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate whilst Barcelona got their revenge two years later beating Bayern Munich 5-3 on aggregate.

Both of these sides possess attacking qualities and we’re sure to see goals again.

Bayern Munich has looked like the more solid, complete side throughout this season and I expect them to progress in this game. Messi will be up to his masterful tricks again but a leaky defense will allow Bayern to control the game and score goals.

Manchester City vs Lyon

PREDICTION: Manchester City wins

It’s all on the line for Pep Guardiola following a disastrous season under his standards. Having failed to win the Champions League in 9 years he will no doubt do everything he can to ensure that Manchester City sees off underdogs Lyon in this tie.

Lyon has something to prove too after knocking out European football giants, Juventus.

Manchester City put together a great run to the end of the season, in which they scored 22 goals in their last 5 Premier League games².

Lyon has to win this game if they want any hope of qualifying for next year’s Champions League. They finished 7th in Ligue 1 where the league was finished prematurely due to Covid-19. Lyon has had suitable time to prepare for their European ties with the league finishing back in March.

Despite Lyon’s heroics in the previous round, I can only see one winner here. Manchester City has looked comfortable in their recent games and that includes a convincing result against the most successful team in the competition, Real Madrid.