Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Champions League picks, predictions: AC Milan seek last-gasp clinch, Barcelona against odds at Bayern Munich

Champions League picks, predictions: AC Milan seek last-gasp clinch, Barcelona against odds at Bayern Munich

Atalanta vs. VillarrealThe final UEFA Champions League matchday is upon us with 16 games across Tuesday and Wednesday, all of which you can see on Paramount+. Eleven of the 16 teams that will feature in the knockout stages are now known, with Manchester City, PSG, Liverpool, Ajax, Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea all qualified. Seven spots remain, and they’ll be decided this week with the critical Matchday 6. You can follow our scenarios here.  

All UCL matches are available to stream on Paramount+. Below, our CBS Sports soccer experts have you covered with our picks and predictions: 

COMPLETE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PICKS

Key matchups

RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City, Tuesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
RB Leipzig 1, Manchester City 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Pep Guardiola

WHY: Pep will not allow his side to take their foot off the gas with qualification assured, though, and with several fringe players hoping to impress

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
RB Leipzig 1, Manchester City 3 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Bernardo Silva

WHY: Guardiola’s team is now flying, Bernardo is on a higher level. He can make a difference.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: RB Leipzig 1, Manchester City 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Peter Gulacsi

WHY: Leipzig to do enough to ensure that they will play on in the Europa League.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
RB Leipzig 1, Manchester City 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Christopher Nkunku

WHY: That this game has rather more riding on it for Leipzig is enough to tip the balance slightly in the favor even if they don’t have a full time manager in the bench. Nkunku won’t want to leave the Champions League without another reminder of his impressive talent.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: RB Leipzig 2, Manchester City 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gabriel Jesus

WHY: City aren’t playing for anything here, while RB Leipzig hope to win and take third to qualify for Europa League. But fresh off the Jesse Marsch sacking, I fancy City to get a point on the road, even with backups.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
RB Leipzig 1, Manchester City 3

MAN OF THE MATCH: Gabriel Jesus

WHY: This is a completely dead rubber for City while Leipzig have potential Europa League qualification on the line. Even so, expect a rotated City side to be significantly better than Leipzig who are in disarray after parting ways with manager Jesse Marsch over the weekend. Expect Jesus, who didn’t start over the weekend to come in and abuse a vulnerable Leipzig back line.

Craving even more coverage of the world’s game, including Man United’s managerial search? Listen below and subscribe to ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.  

PSG vs. Brugge, Tuesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | PSG vs. Club Brugge

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
PSG 3, Brugge 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kylian Mbappe

WHY: Mbappe scored his first of 2 hat tricks in the Champions League against this side in 2019. The Frenchman has already scored 25 goals for club and country this season. He has provided 15 assists on top of that.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
PSG 4, Brugge 0 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kylian Mbappe

WHY: The team needs a reaction, Kylian is the man of the Champions. Pochettino will rely on him.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: PSG 1, Brugge 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kylian Mbappe

WHY: A dead rubber of a game if there ever was one. Win, lose, or draw, PSG finish second. Brugge can still sneak third and Europa League, but PSG will probably do just enough to scrape the win.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
PSG 2, Brugge 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Angel Di Maria

WHY: Having the Argentine taking up a supporting role in the front three might just bring the best out of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi though equally if he needs to up the tempo somewhat Di Maria is more than capable of winning the game himself.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: PSG 3, Brugge 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mauro Icardi

WHY: Again, another team with nothing to play for that is so talented and deep. At home, with backups, they get it done against a Brugge team that is still better than you think.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
PSG 2, Brugge 1  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lionel Messi

WHY: Despite obscene attacking talent, PSG continue to play struggle ball as their attack looks disjointed and their defense struggles to cope with the lack of help from the stars up front. Still they’re better than Brugge and a couple of moments of magic from Messi should get the job done.

Ajax vs. Sporting, Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Ajax vs. Sporting CP

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Ajax 2, Sporting 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sebastien Haller

WHY: The Ajax striker has 11 goals and assists so far and remains as the top scorer in the UCL score sheet with Lewandowski just behind with 10. Expect Haller to add to this tally.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Ajax 2, Sporting 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Antony

WHY: Sporting have a great time, but Anthony is the star who can make the difference.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Ajax 2, Sporting 1  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Antony

WHY: The Dutch giants will get it done and post a 100% group stage record.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Ajax 2, Sporting 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Pedro Goncalves

WHY: Ajax have rightly earned a lot of headlines for their exceptional start to this season’s tournament but Sporting and in particular Pote have burst into life in recent weeks. There may be absolutely nothing on the line in this game but that does not mean it isn’t going to be an awful lot of fun.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Ajax 1, Sporting 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lisandro Martinez

WHY: Their spots in the next round are set, so don’t expect too much craziness here in terms of going forward. It is a great chance to get some minutes for young players, and it should be fairly even in the end.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Ajax 2, Sporting 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sebastien Haller

WHY: This match means nothing as Ajax and Sporting are locked in to the first and second spot respectively, but Ajax increasingly looks like they may be among the favorites to make a deep run in the competition, and Haller is scoring goals for fun.

Porto vs. Atletico Madrid, Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Porto vs. Atlético Madrid

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Atletico Madrid 0, Porto 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Atleti defense

WHY: This has been one area which Simeone could rely on, and count on the veteran manager to deliver a defensive masterclass

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Atletico Madrid 0, Porto 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Rodrigo de Paul

WHY: A high-intensity battle to follow. In the end, quality can be decisive with a player like de Paul.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Atletico Madrid 1, Porto 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mehdi Taremi

WHY: This one will finish square which will eliminate a poor Atelti side but only be good enough to send Porto into the Europa League.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Atletico Madrid 2, Porto 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Diogo Costa

WHY: Sergio Conceicao’s side are everything that Atletico once were in this competition: hell to beat with a mastery of the dark arts and an ability to make the most of the chances that come their way. They should be strong favorites to win this game.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Atletico Madrid 2, Porto 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luis Suarez

WHY: Los Colchoneros get it done on the road, getting a victory to put themselves on the brink of the round of 16 … depending on what Milan do against Liverpool. Atleti usually find a way, and this will be no different.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Atletico Madrid 1, Porto 1  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Pepe

WHY: This is a massive match as qualification hangs in the balance. Porto controls their own fate and a win would see them through while a draw would mean Atleti aren’t going through but could open the door for AC Milan should they get a result against Liverpool. In three previous matches for Porto against Atleti and Milan there have been three total goals. So expect another tight one here.

Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan, Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Real Madrid 1, Inter Milan 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Vinicius Junior

WHY: Karim Benzema is most certain to miss this game, that means Vini Junior is the key man in the attacking third for the Los Blancos. He bagged his 12th across all competitions on the weekend

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Real Madrid 1, Inter Milan 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolò Barella

WHY: Inter have a super moment, Real at home are a certainty. Possible draw, watch out for the Italian midfielder.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Real Madrid 1, Inter Milan 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Hakan Calhanoglu

WHY: The Italians have found their form of late and with top spot up for grabs, they could take Real by surprise.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Real Madrid 1, Inter Milan 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Vinicius Junior

WHY: He might be without his running mate Karim Benzema but the young Brazilian has been in outstanding form of late and might be the difference in a tight game.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Real Madrid 1, Inter Milan 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Luka Jovic 

WHY: The backup striker comes in for the injured Karim Benzema and does it again, getting a goal in the second half to win the group. 

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Real Madrid 2, Inter Milan 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Vinicius Junior

WHY: Inter Milan are rounding into form and could top the group and relegate Madrid to second place with a win. And further, Madrid will be without

AC Milan vs. Liverpool, Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | AC Milan vs. Liverpool

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
AC Milan 2, Liverpool 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH:
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

WHY: Milan’s attacking forces have taken quite the hit in recent weeks, Ibra is sure to lead the line after being rested over the weekend and should make the difference

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
AC Milan 1, Liverpool 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mohamed Salah

WHY: AC Milan have a lot of heart but still a very complicated match. Salah in these nights is crucial

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: AC Milan 1, Liverpool 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Rafa Leao

WHY: Milan can keep their hopes alive with a win while Liverpool have nothing left to play for as guaranteed group winners and bigger fish to fry domestically.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
AC Milan 1, Liverpool 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Brahim Diaz

WHY: Expect Milan to throw everything they’ve got at a weakened Liverpool, a situation that could give Brahim Diaz a real canvas to shine. Whether that’s enough remains to be seen.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: AC Milan 2, Liverpool 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Divock Origi

WHY: The Belgian striker’s team might not have much to play for, but he continues to show his value by scoring twice to bounce Milan from the competition.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
AC Milan 2, Liverpool 3

MAN OF THE MATCH: Divock Origi

WHY: Milan have a chance to squeak through to the knockout stage while this game means nothing for Liverpool. But even with a heavily rotated squad Liverpool just have endless amounts of attacking firepower.

Zenit vs. Chelsea, Wednesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Zenit vs. Chelsea

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Zenit 0, Chelsea 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Romelu Lukaku

WHY: A fit-again attacker Lukaku is widely expected to replace Kai Havertz in the starting XI, if so, expect some fireworks

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Zenit 0, Chelsea 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mason Mount

WHY: Mount’s intensity is something very precious to the Blues. And they need to go back to the clean sheet.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Zenit 0, Chelsea 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kai Havertz

WHY: The Blues to edge the win in wintery conditions.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Zenit 0, Chelsea 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mason Mount

WHY: Zenit have been a far better team than their results might suggest but Chelsea will be eager to bounce back from their loss to West Ham, one where Mount excelled in front of goal.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Zenit 1, Chelsea 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: 

WHY: The American starts, gets a goal and leads the Blues to another point on the road as they enter the round of 16 as one of the favorites.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Zenit 0, Chelsea 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Romelu Lukaku

WHY: Chelsea need to win to ensure first place in the group, and an underwhelming Zenit side is the perfect opportunity for striker Lukaku to get back on track

Juventus vs. Malmo, Wednesday, 12:45 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Juventus vs. Malmo FF

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Juventus 3, Malmo 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: The Argentine has been directly involved in seven goals in his last seven Champions League appearances at the Juventus Stadium has taken his tally across all competitions to eight, three more than any other Juve player this season.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Juventus 2, Malmo 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: These are his nights, the Champions League nights where Dybala knows how to make a difference. Juve can win comfortably.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Juventus 2, Malmo 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: The Italians will get the win as they build towards the knockout phase.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Juventus 3, Malmo 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: The fixture list has been kind to Juventus, pitting them against perhaps the worst team in the group stages. Expect Dybala to make the most of this chance to excel.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Juventus 2, Malmo 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: Another match where Juve’s talent on the bench, despite a lack of cohesion, should still be enough. Malmo are eliminated and playing for just pride.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Juventus 1, Malmo 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paulo Dybala

WHY: Juventus still aren’t the force they used to be, but are at least limping towards competence. And a win against Malmo at least gives them a shot at taking first in the group.

Benfica vs. Dynamo Kiev, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Benfica vs. Dynamo Kyiv

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Rafa Silva

WHY: Silva leads Benfica in UCL with 14 shots and has scored eight goals and five assists in all competitions

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Darwin Nunez

WHY: The heart of Benfica and the support of the home fans can be decisive for completing the group stage in the best possible way.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 1  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Haris Seferovic

WHY: Benfica to take their chance to bury Barca the second time around and send them to the Europa League.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Darwin Nunez

WHY: Nunez netted four in a thumping win over Belenenses late last month and has consistently caused menace for Champions League defenses. His form should be enough to carry Benfica over the line.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Darwin Nunez

WHY: Nunez scores a clinical brace to edge Barcelona and advance as Bayern Munich gives them a hand.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Benfica 2, Dynamo Kiev 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Rafa Silva

WHY: Win against Kiev and it will take Barcelona beating Bayern in Germany to keep Benfica from the knockouts. The Portuguese side gets it done against a Kiev team that’s shown very little this European campaign.

Atalanta vs. Villarreal, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Atalanta vs. Villarreal

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Atalanta 2, Villarreal 0 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: Zapata leads Atalanta in UCL goals and has 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Atalanta 3, Villarreal 2 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: A game that will turn into a battle with very high rhythms and a lot of quality. Zapata is in extraordinary shape.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Atalanta 3, Villarreal 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: The Italians are motoring now and know that a win will send them through.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Atalanta 2, Villarreal 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: Unai Emery is almost certainly going to set his side up to play for the point that would take them through to the last 16 but that may just be a fools’ errand against Atalanta and the deadly Zapata.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Atalanta 2, Villarreal 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: The Italian club clinches a spot in the round of 16 on the very last day, holding serve at home with the defense stepping up big time.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Atalanta 3, Villarreal 1  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Duvan Zapata

WHY: It’s unstoppable force meets immovable object. Unai Emery’s teams are always conservative on the road and that will be doubly true since they need only a draw to advance. But Atalanta have no idea how to do anything but go full bore for goals which should make an entertaining dynamic, one which ultimately will play to the Italian teams favor.

Wolfsburg vs. Lille, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Wolfsburg vs. Lille

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Wolfsburg 0, Lille 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jonathan David

WHY: The in-form Canadian continues to lead the Dogues revival, and he was brought off the bench to great effect against Troyes at the weekend, netting the equalizer before the Ligue 1 champions went on to win 2-1

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Wolfsburg 1, Lille 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Renato Sanches

WHY: A draw is a real possibility, Sanches may be the extra man for the French.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Wolfsburg 1, Lille 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jonathan David

WHY: This group could finish any number of ways, but a French club advancing to the knockout phase along with PSG would be huge. LOSC to get this done.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Wolfsburg 0, Lille 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Reinildo

WHY: Reinildo has been a key cog in the Lille defense that has taken them to the top of Group G and if he and his teammates play as well as they have been of late in this competition they should have enough to get the job done against a struggling opponent.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Wolfsburg 1, Lille 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jonathan David

WHY: Lille are comfortable but want to win the group, yet they come away with just a draw but make the round of 16 just barely.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Wolfsburg 0, Lille 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Benjamin Andre

WHY: Wolfsburg and Lille have only eight goals combined this Champions League season and a draw will be enough to take the French side through.

RB Salzburg vs. Sevilla, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Salzburg vs. Sevilla

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
RB Sazlburg 0, Sevilla 1   

MAN OF THE MATCH: Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde

WHY: Having claimed a pair of 1-0 victories over Cordoba and Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and La Liga earlier this month should help them march on to the knockout rounds.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
RB Sazlburg 2, Sevilla 2    

MAN OF THE MATCH: Karim Adeyemi

WHY: The young Salzburg star can leave his mark on a night where everything is at stake.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: RB Sazlburg 1, Sevilla 1 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Karim Adeyemi

WHY: The Austrians will hold strong to deny Sevilla a knockout phase berth and put them on course for Europa League success on home soil.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
RB Sazlburg 1, Sevilla 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ivan Rakitic

WHY: Sometimes you just have to trust that the team with the veteran nous will get the job done. Salzburg might have precocious youth on their side but if this game slips into dramatic territory I’d be more inclined to trust Rakitic and company.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: RB Sazlburg 3, Sevilla 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Rafa Mir

WHY: Sevilla get the best of Salzburg on Matchday 6 to jump them and Lille and win the group outright with Rafa Mir playing role of hero.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
RB Sazlburg 1, Sevilla 2  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lucas Ocampos

WHY: A win from Sevilla moves them into the knockouts, and they get it thanks to Ocampos’ fine form. It’s another year of just missing for Salzburg who should be positioned to go deep into Europa League (though a loss doesn’t guarantee they even advance into that tournament).

Manchester United vs. Young Boys, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Manchester United vs. Young Boys

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Manchester United 2, Young Boys 0    

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ralph Rangnick

WHY: The German’s high-pressing brand of football on full display against Palace and the clean sheet was the team’s first at Old Trafford in the league this term. Expect more of the same going forward.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Manchester United 3, Young Boys 0   

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo

WHY: Rangnick can’t miss this opportunity. And when you say Champions League, you say Cristiano Ronaldo.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK: Manchester United 2, Young Boys 0    

MAN OF THE MATCH: Donny van de Beek

WHY: United to continue impressing new boss Rangnick.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Manchester United 1, Young Boys 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Fred

WHY: This feels like a game Ralf Rangnick will use as a training exercise as much as a full match, working on his side’s pressing against a side that are equally willing to chase the ball. Fred has excelled since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking and he may yet do so again. 

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Manchester United 2, Young Boys 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: David de Gea

WHY: Another shaky performance at the back for the Red Devils, but it is another win as De Gea shines and Jadon Sancho finds the net again.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Manchester United 2, Young Boys 0  

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jadon Sancho

WHY: United are already through, but it’s Ralf Rangnick’s second game in charge, and expect them to really start the process of implementing his ideas in this one.

Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)  

Featured Game | Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

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NAME: Thomas Rongen

PICK: 
Bayern Munich 3, Barcelona 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Robert Lewandowski

WHY: Lewandowski’s  goals once again proved invaluable in Der Klassiker at the weekend.

NAME: Fabrizio Romano

PICK: 
Bayern Munich 2, Barcelona 2

MAN OF THE MATCH: Robert Lewandowski

WHY: Lewandowski’s desire for revenge after the Ballon d’Or will be very high. And the heart of Barça may not be enough.

NAME: Jonathan Johnson

PICK:  Bayern Munich 3, Barcelona 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Robert Lewandowski

WHY: This one will decide whether Barca live on or die off in the Champions League and it will be the Germans who send Xavi’s men into the Europa League.

NAME: James Benge  

PICK: 
Bayern Munich 2, Barcelona 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kingsley Coman

WHY: Barcelona will have to leave space in behind them as they chase the win they will probably need. Expect the likes of Coman to make them pay for their ambition.

NAME: Roger Gonzalez

PICK: Bayern Munich 2, Barcelona 0

MAN OF THE MATCH: Serge Gnabry

WHY: Bayern bounce Barca from the competition with a bunch of backups as the visitors produce next to nothing in another underwhelming display.

NAME: Mike L. Goodman  

PICK: 
Bayern Munich 3, Barcelona 1

MAN OF THE MATCH: Robert Lewandowski

WHY: This match means everything to Barcelona and nothing to Bayern, since Barcelona will likely need to win to advance. But this is a Barcelona team that, even with Xavi at the helm now, simply isn’t that good.

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