The first legs of the Champions League round of 16 conclude tonight with two massive games. Here is everything you need to know about those fixtures.
Champions League last 16 previews
RB Leipzig v Manchester City (Redbull Arena, 8pm)
RB Leipzig
Llace in domestic league: 5th
Last three results: W L D
Leipzig managed to make it to the knockout stages by finishing second in Group F. They finished just one point behind Real Madrid but comfortably ahead of third place Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite a very poor start to their European campaign (2 defeats in their 2 first games) they managed to change their style of play and won their final four games (4 wins in their last four games). In the German league they are currently in fifth place, only four points away from top spot.
They will have to play Manchester City without three of their star players. Goalkeeper and captain Peter Gulacsi injured himself at the start of the season in the group game against Celtic. Alongside their goalkeeper, defender Abdou Diallo and midfielder Dani Olmo have been ruled out due to leg injuries.
Manchester City
Place in domestic league: 2nd
Last three results: D W W
Pep Guardiola's Citizens easily made it out of their group in the Champions League. Undefeated in Group G with four wins and two draws, Manchester City topped their group followed by Borussia Dortmund to make it through to the round of 16. In the league, they are in a very close title race with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. With City only two points behind the Gunners, everything is still possible and the hope of a Premier League trophy for the Manchester City team is more than alive.
On the medical side, the only unavailable player is Jonh Stones whom is still sidelined after sustaining a thigh injury against Arsenal earlier in the season.
.@BernardoCSilva's belter! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/UbdU5Ttg5Y
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 18, 2023
Inter Milan v Porto (San Siro, 8pm)
Inter Milan
Place in domestic league: 2nd
Last three results: W D W
Inter finished second of Group C behind Bayern Munich and ahead of Barcelona. Simone Inzhagi's team lost only two games, against the German giants, and they won both against Pilzen. Victory over Barcelona at home allowed them to advance to the round of 16. In Serie A they are currently second, far behind Napoli and battling with the teams behind them for a Champions League place for next season.
Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi has praised Sergio Conceicao's coaching and said that they need to be "mentally prepared" to play these European games:
His (Conceicao) team plays football with both physical and technical quality, Porto are a very strong side and come into tomorrow off the back of ten straight wins
Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi: “We Have To Play A Great Game Mentally Tomorrow Against Porto” https://t.co/I7mUOp31bp #IMInter #Nerazzurri #FCIM pic.twitter.com/7v1TmZl5Tc
— SempreInter.com (@SempreIntercom) February 21, 2023
On the injuries front, the Nerazzurri will have to deal with the unavailability of Argentinian winger Joaquin Correa and Brazilian full back Dalbert.
Porto
Place jn domestic league: 2nd
First three results: W W W
FC Porto were the surprise winner of Group B . They advanced with Club Bruges to the knockout stages knocking out the two favourites for qualification, Bayer Leverkusen and Athletico Madrid. In the Portuguese league they are fighting against Benfica Lisbon and Sporting Lisbon for the title. Porto are currently in second place, two points behind Benfica and two points ahead of Sporting.
Sergio Conceicao is hopeful that his team can qualify for the quarter finals:
I remember the match against Chelsea, who then became European champions: we didn’t deserve to lose, just like on other occasions. I think we have chances to beat Inter. We can and must dream. It’s a part of life
He also added that his goal is to reach the final of this year's Champions League:
However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have the chance to play in the final, which is also the goal if it’s difficult. We played excellent group stages and we always gave excellent signals.
They will enter this tie with several injuries. Porto's coach Sergio Conceicao said: "[The] injury crisis is a difficult situation for us, (we are) missing several key players". Evenilson and Otavio are both certain of not playing on Wednesdya night, while four other players are doubtful for the game in Milan. Speedy winger Galeno, fellow Brazilian Gabriel Veron, Colombian midfielder Mateus Uribe and Portuguese defender Fabio Cardoso are all doubtful for the trip to the San Siro.
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