This week's Champions League playoffs feature thrilling matchups like Brest taking on PSG at the Stade de Roudourou, and Manchester City facing off against reigning European champions Real Madrid. The article highlights key details about each game, including team news, strengths, and weaknesses.
playoff game this week as Brest take on PSG at the Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp. Brest’s ground did not meet Uefa’s requirements, so they will continue to play at the home of their local rivals. The Bretons will hope to extend their fine debut run in the Champions League, and they have won their last two matches, beating Troyes in the Coupe de France and Nantes in Ligue 1.
Nico González, Ederson, Nathan Aké and Jeremy Doku have all trained this week, leaving Rodri as City’s only confirmed injury absentee. The Ballon d’Or winner has been named in the club’s Champions League squad for the second half of the season, prompting speculation that he could return sooner than expected.
The Dutch side have their fair share of concerns. Defenders Oscar Boscagli and Richard Ledezma are missing due to injury, with the absence of the former a huge blow. Forward pair Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi are also sidelined, though Peter Bosz can at last call upon Ivan Perisic after he joined too late to be included in their Champions League squad for the league phase. Loan signing Tyrell Malacia may also feature at left-back following Matteo Dams’ move to Saudi side Al Ahli.
Benfica, who have closed the gap at the top of the Portuguese league to four points, have already played in Monaco in the Champions League this season. Bruno Lage’s side came from behind to win that game in November 3-2, although their resurgence only arrived when Monaco were reduced to 10 men. If their form in the group stage is anything to go by, this should be a close tie. The teams finished 16th and 17th in the table and were only separated by goal difference.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFFS REAL MADRID MANCHESTER CITY BREAST PSG
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