We analyze the key matches in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers later today, as top teams face a do or die battle to get into the group stages of the Champions League. A lot of money rides on getting into the Champions League, up to as much as $50 million for each of the clubs fighting for a spot in European football’s biggest competition.
- Arsenal vs. Besiktas
Arsenal could only get a scoreless draw in the first leg in Turkey and would be worried about their opponents getting an away goal. Besiktas did show a plenty of defensive solidity in the first leg, and they could perhaps cause an early shock to the Champions League by putting one past Arsenal later tonight. A Champions League without four top teams from the English Premiership is simply unthinkable, but an upset is very much on the cards. Arsenal have an injury concern though, as their main striker Olivier Giroud walked off with a leg injury in Saturday’s match against Everton in the EPL.
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Copenhagen
Bayer Leverkusen are still remembered as the club that lost to Real Madrid in the 2002 Champions League final because of the spectacular Zinedine Zidane volley. Leverkusen did well to win their away leg against the club from Denmark 3-2 and would look extending their advantage. Leverkusen are under a new coach, Roger Schmidt, have had a winning start to their Bundesliga campaign and would be looking to extend their advantage later tonight.
- Celtic vs. Maribor
The Scottish Champions Celtic have a tough task at home against the Slovenian side Maribor, in spite of getting an away goal in a 1-1 draw in Slovenia. Celtic would want to use the huge home support at the Celtic Park to their full advantage as they take on the Slovenian club, in a match that is of huge financial significance to them.
- Athletic Bilbao vs. Napoli
Athletic Bilbao did well enough at the La Liga last season, finishing fourth, even after losing two critical players, Javier Martinez and Fernando Llorente. But coping without key midfielder Ander Herrera who moved to Manchester United may be not as simple as the Spanish club take on tough Italian opponents FC Napoli at home. Bilbao were fortunate to get away with a 1-1 draw away in Italy in the first leg, but with Napoli bolstered by strong signings this summer, it won’t be easy for them.
- FC Porto vs. Lille
The Portuguese club famously won the UEFA Champions League with Jose Mourinho as a young manager exactly 10 years ago. While such a win is likely to be impossible now and in the foreseeable future, they would want to desperately get into the group stages of the competition, as they defend a 1-0 advantage over French side Lille at home.
