Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and have had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today I will be doing a recap on the UEFA Champions League Round of 16's second week of results. This week saw eight more teams facing off in their first leg games, with the return legs to be played in March.
The first weeks of the first legs games can be found here: Champions League 22/23 Round of 16 - 1st Legs Week 1
Round of 16 Week 2 Results
Tuesday 21st February 2023
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Napoli
Osimhen, Di Lorenzo
Napoli were by far the stronger side here, and when Kvaratskhelia had his penalty saved it seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead. Frankfurt pushed forward after Trapp had saved the spot kick, growing in belief, but on 40 minutes they were behind as Osimhen finished at the back post from a Lozano cross. They did the same a minute later but this time it was ruled out. The second half saw Kolo Muani get a red card for catching Anguissa with his boot as they challenged for the ball on 58 minutes, and on 65 it was 2-0. Anguissa played in Kvaratskhelia, who in turn back-heeled the ball for Di Lorenzo to curl his shot inside the far post. Frankfurt had no response and the Europa League winners seemed out of their depths at times against a side 15 points clear at the top of Serie A.
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
Núñez, Salah - Vinicius Júnior x2, Militão, Benzema x2
Liverpool found themselves 2-0 up at home after 14 minutes, with Salah assisting Núñez for a lovely flicked first before a Courtois mis-controlled the ball to give Salah his easiest of goals for the second. However, from there Liverpool collapsed against the Real Madrid side who just don't know when they are beaten. Vinicius Júnior beautifully fired the ball low into the far corner on 21 minutes, before an Alisson error by kicking the ball off Vinicius Júnior on 36 minutes resulted in the ball looping over the keeper and into the net. The sides entered level, but two minutes into the second half Militão got on the end of a Modric's free-kick to put Madrid ahead, and on 55 they had their fourth. Benzema shot deflected off Joe Gomez and left Alisson stranded, before the French striker sat Alisson down on 67 minutes and placed a shot perfectly into the top corner to complete the rout. Liverpool were a shadow of themselves and got played off the field, although had plenty of their own chances. If they had taken those, or managed the game better after going ahead, it could have been a very different result.
Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Inter Milan 1-0 FC Porto
Lukaku
The game had a close and tight nature about it, with both sides going in level at the break. Martinez had tested the Porto keeper early on with a header, while Calhanoglu forced a save from him with an ambitious effort. Porto grew into the game and Grujic forced a save towards the end of the half before Galeno headed the rebound wide. Barella volleyed wide early in the second half as Inter looked for a breakthrough, but Porto managed some good chances of their own with Taremi twice testing the keeper and Zaidu seeing his effort saved. Porto went down to ten men as Otavio was shown a second yellow with only 12 minutes. Inter looked to take advantage, and with just four minutes of time to go they got their goal. Substitute Lukaku was the hero, as he struck to secure victory at San Siro and give Inter a slender lead for the second leg in Portugal.
RB Leipzig 1-1 Manchester City
Gvardiol - Mahrez
From the off it was Manchester City who were the controlling side in this one, getting 74% of the first half possession. The made the most of the ball on 27 minutes when Grealish won the ball back and saw his forward pass dummied by Gundogan before Mahrez latched onto it and fired the ball low into the goal. City were in total control but the second half was a different story. Leipzig played their way back into the game, with Henrichs twice going close before Nkunku came on. Silva and Szoboszlai tested Ederson, and with twenty minutes to go Gvardiol outjumped Dias at a corner to head his side level. City somewhat took control of the game again from there, but could not find a winner. A handball by Henrichs in the box went unpunished in stoppage time, and the sides will be on level terms when they meet for the second leg.
The return legs take place from the 7th of March 2023.
You can also find my previous prediction for this seasons Champions League here: Champions League 22/23 Round of 16 Draw & Prediction
My prediction for the 2022/23 Premier League season is also available here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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