JUVENTUS:

Although Juventus did face a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, it seems like they aren’t affected and why not so. They almost had their hands on Serie A title, it’s just Champions League that calls for a bit struggle. Although there will be no Coppa Italia trophy this season following a 3-0 defeat to Atlanta BC at the end of January yet they managed to claim a 4-1 win on Friday night against Udinese to record the 24th league win of their campaign. Juve fans expectations were raised to cloud seven since summer signing of Cristiano Ronaldo but his performance for the Old Lady has been satisfactory, not like that of Real Madrid, this doesn’t lead to adding question marks on Ronaldo’s performance but definitely calls for the future of Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian giants have won just 14 of the previous 32 UEFA ties where they lost the away the first leg, while they have lost seven of their previous 16 two-legged ties against Spanish clubs in Europe. It would be a big ask to turn it around against any side at this level, let alone an Atletico team so strong at the back.
Things might turn around for Juve this time as they have lost only three matches on the home soil and won 21 matches in the Juventus Stadium.

Probable Line-ups: Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Mandzukic, Ronaldo. 


ATLETICO MADRID:

Much like Juventus, Atletico Madrid is desperate to make the best of the given opportunity as this is the fifth time in six seasons that they are in the round 16 of the Champions League. Simeone’s side only defeat came against Borussia Dortmund by 4-0 in the group stages yet they booked the second spot in Group A. On February 9 they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Real Madrid but later they went on to win each of their five games in all the competitions- beating Juve in the first leg. Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Leganes means they had toom a firm grip on their second spot. Their form is simply a threat to Juventus and to the coming conflicts.
Thomas Partey and Diego Costa are both suspended for the visitors following their bookings in the first leg last month. Alvaro Morata should come in to replace Costa in the final third, with Thomas Lemar due to start in place of Thomas, which would see Saul Niguez switch to a central position.

Probable Line-ups: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Rodri, Saul, Lemar; Griezmann, Morata. 


PLAYERZPOT PLAYING XI:


PLAYERZPOT PREDICTION:

Juventus have a record of clinching wins in their home soil but Atletico Madrid’s current form can make things difficult for the Juve. We can expect a tie in this fixture.


PLAYERZPOT SCORE PREDICTION:

JUVENTUS 2-2 ATLETICO MADRID


 

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