UEFA Champions League 2019-20: Preview for match-day 5
Football fans, across the globe, are up for a treat tonight as top European clubs lock horns in the match-day five of the Champions League. With this being the penultimate match-day of the group stage of 2019-20, it presents a do or die situation for some teams. On the same note, we present the preview for some top matches of this match-day.
Real Madrid look to seal it against Paris Saint-Germain
Record champions Real Madrid have not had the best of the start to their UCL campaign. However, placed second in their group, behind Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Madrid are just a couple of points away from sealing their spot in the knock-outs. While a win against PSG would help them, it would be an uphill task. Furthermore, Club Brugge's win could make things intense.
Atletico Madrid find themselves in a similar situation like Real
Besides Los Blancos, city rivals Atletico Madrid, too, find themselves in a similar situation, as they are three points behind leaders Juventus. As they take on Juventus in Turin, a win would be a monumental task, as Cristiano Ronaldo and his boys would be ruthless. Notably, Juventus are yet to lose a match this term in both Serie A and the UCL.
Chelsea and Valencia to lock horns tonight
Group H would witness a crunch tie as Chelsea visit Valencia. Both have seven points, but Chelsea are ahead on away goals, on the second spot, while Valencia sit on third. Meanwhile, Ajax take the top spot also with seven points. It is almost like a knock-out game for both Chelsea and Valencia. Interestingly, Chelsea have been performing well, away from home, this season.
Barcelona look to tame Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona have had a decent UCL season so far, as they are currently placed atop the Group F table with eight points. As they take on second-placed Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, they would aim to win it and seal their berth in knock-outs. Like the last season, Barcelona's defense vulnerabilities remain a cause of concern for manager Ernesto Valverde.
Liverpool and Napoli engage in fierce battle
Title defenders Liverpool are enjoying one of the best seasons in their history. Even though, they have lost one match in the UCL, their ruthless attacking form has helped them almost seal their spot in the knock-outs. They would lock horns with second-placed Napoli this week and the winner of this tie will qualify for the round of 16.
Complete list of matches for match-day 5
Tuesday: Lokomotiv-Leverkusen (11.25 PM), Galatasaray-Brugge (11.25 PM), Wednesday: Madrid-PSG (1.30 AM), Tottenham-Olympiacos (1.30 AM), City-Shakhtar (1.30 AM), Juventus-Atletico (1.30 AM), Crvena-Bayern (1.30 AM), Atlanta-Zagreb (1.30 AM), Zenit-Lyon (11.25 PM), Valencia-Chelsea (11.25 PM), Thursday: Barcelona-Dortmund (1.30 AM), Praha-Inter (1.30 AM), Lille-Ajax (1.30 AM), Genk-Salzburg (1.30 AM), Liverpool-Napoli (1.30 AM), Leipzig-Benfica (1.30 AM). Where to watch (Online): Sony LIV.
