Champions League: Quarter-Final 2nd Legs Predictions

After a decent couple of picks last Tuesday (1 Close and 1 Exact), Wednesday proved to be far more difficult with an excellent win for Real Madrid at Chelsea and a big upset in Spain as Villarreal defeated Bayern.

So who will we now see progress to the semi-finals following the second legs? Here are my thoughts:

Bayern Munich (0) vs. (1) Villarreal

Despite the fact that Bayern ended up reaching this stage easily in the end anyway, I think they'll be concerned that they've now struggled in two consecutive away knockout games and if Villarreal have a solid start to this second leg defensively with a couple of threatening attacks, it'll be interesting to see if the home side can hold their nerve.

However, it still feels like a risk to pick against Bayern progressing because they have absolutely destroyed everyone they have played at the Allianz so far in this competition. I think Villarreal are capable of making this very difficult and they'll probably get a couple of chances themselves too but it feels as if Bayern should still get through. Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Villarreal

Real Madrid (3) vs. (1) Chelsea

What a result for Madrid at the Bridge. Benzema's headed goals were just ridiculous but then once Chelsea were back at 1-2, it felt as if the Blues were still very much in the tie. Mendy's error to gift Madrid a 3rd feels like it has probably killed Chelsea's chances though as winning by even a couple of goals just to force extra time feels like a big ask at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti will be confident I think as his team can prioritise their shape while also knowing Vinicius will be a major threat on the counter. In fairness, it's hard not to be confident when you have a striker who seems to be able to find the net any time he receives the ball anywhere close to the goal. Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea

Liverpool (3) vs. (1) Benfica

This one is pretty much over I think. Liverpool are obviously a considerably stronger side than Benfica as they showed in Lisbon. Defending a first leg lead at Anfield is hard enough if you're an away team, let alone attempting to overturn a 2-goal deficit. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Benfica

Atletico Madrid (0) vs. (1) Manchester City

Now that they're a goal behind, Atleti will obviously have to be at least slightly more adventurous than they were at the Etihad and I think City will therefore feel as if they can manage at least another goal themselves in this tie.

There's no doubt City are the stronger side so as I said ahead of the first leg, this is just all about ensuring they don't concede a goal before scoring another themselves so that they can avoid the game becoming very slow and frustrating if Atleti are given the chance to play for Extra Time. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Manchester City