UEFA REPORTS:
Real Sociedad will hope to keep their solid defensive record going and Lazio are looking to rock the Stadio Olimpico as the UEFA Champions League knockout stage continues.
Here are some key talking points ahead of Wednesday’s games in the round of 16 first legs.
This week’s fixtures and results
Tuesday 13 February
Copenhagen vs Man City
Leipzig vs Real Madrid
Wednesday 14 February
Paris vs Real SociedadNYSC Portal
Lazio vs Bayern
All kick-offs 21:00 CET
La Real try to tame Mbappé
Real Sociedad were another surprise story of the group stage, with Imanol Alguacil’s well-drilled side finishing ahead of last season’s finalists Inter to top their section.
They have received a tough round of 16 assignment against 2019/20 runners-up Paris, who will always pose a threat with the star quality of Kylian Mbappé in their ranks. If there is one team who may fancy their chances of keeping the France forward quiet, however, it is Real Sociedad.informationguideNigeria
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The Basque club conceded just two goals in the group stage; that’s fewer than any other side, with their regular centre-back duo of Igor Zubeldia and Robin Le Normand shutting out some impressive attacking talent in Group D. They will have to be on their A game again to deal with Mbappé and Co in the Parc des Princes.
Lazio’s Stadio Olimpico factor
“It’s an old, famous stadium that’s seen so many battles in the past. It’s a nice one to face.” That was Bayern icon Thomas Müller’s reaction to drawing Lazio in the round of 16, with the veteran forward clearly all too aware of the special atmosphere that will be guaranteed for the first leg.JAMB Portal
The Biancocelesti certainly used the passionate home fans to their advantage in the group stage, winning two and drawing one of their encounters in Rome to finish as runners-up in their section. Bayern may have a psychological edge, though: they beat the Italian hopefuls 6-2 on aggregate at this stage in the 2020/21 campaign.
Can Lazio move a step closer to a first quarter-final in this tournament in 24 years, or will Bayern be able to start looking forward to making it 12 appearances in the final eight out of the last 13 seasons? It should make for fascinating viewing whatever the case.
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