Home of football statistics and historyThe revamped format for the 2024/25 Champions League appears to have revitalised the opening phase of the prestigious competition.
With only eight of the 36 teams guaranteed to progress to the last-16, an increased level of jeopardy has been added to proceedings.
The new set-up has undoubtedly found favour with bettors, with sportsbooks reporting an uptick in activity when Champions League games have been played.
Fans inclined towards online gambling will be eagerly wagering on the sixth round of matches in December, as these will set up what promises to a thrilling finale to the league phase.
With that in mind, read on as we look at four must-watch games next month, starting with a clash between two sides who have enjoyed differing fortunes in the Champions League.
RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa – December 10
While RB Leipzig have been performing reasonably well in the Bundesliga, their results in UEFA’s top club competition have left a lot to be desired.
The German side were defeated in each of their first four matches and face an uphill battle to secure a place in the knockout phase play-off round.
By contrast, Aston Villa’s thrilling victory over Bayern Munich on Matchday 2 demonstrated they could be a team to watch in this season’s competition.
The 1981/82 European champions are eager to make their mark on their return to the top table and will fancy their chances of securing a positive result in Leipzig.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Inter Milan – December 10
A meeting between the champions of Germany and Italy is always a game worth watching and the latest encounter could be a cracker.
Bayer Leverkusen made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, but a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Liverpool brough them back down to earth with a bang.
Inter kept clean sheets in each of their first four games in Europe this term to demonstrate they could be a force to be reckoned with as the competition progresses.
They held Premier League champions Manchester City to a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium and will expect to take at least a point from their visit to Leverkusen.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona – December 11
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund made a solid start to this season’s Champions League, collecting nine points from their first four matches.
A 5-2 defeat at Real Madrid was their only setback in the first half of the league phase and they will be desperate to avoid any further mishaps.
However, they could have their work cut out on Matchday 6 against a Barcelona side that has produced several stellar performances this season.
Barca netted 15 goals in their first four matches in the competition and will undoubtedly view their trip to Dortmund as a winnable game.
Juventus vs Manchester City – December 11
Manchester City were the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Champions League before the opening stage started, but things have not quite gone to plan.
They collected seven points from their first three matches before slipping to a dismal 4-1 defeat against Sporting CP in Portugal.
Injuries to key players have not helped their cause this term, although they should have a stronger squad available for their trip to Turin to face Juventus.
The Serie A side have stuttered in the competition after winning their first two matches, but they have the ability to be tricky opponents for City on their home turf.
0 Comments