The final first legs of the round of 16 in the Champions League take place on Wednesday. There is a huge soccer fixture to look forward to in the Spanish capital, as Manchester United visit Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, one of the eye-catching sides in this season’s competition take on Benfica on Wednesday evening, as Ajax are the visitors to the Stadium of Light.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Preview, Odds & Pick
| Atletico Madrid | +137 |
| Draw | +220 |
| Manchester United | +210 |
There looks to be a huge game at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, as Atletico host Manchester United in the first leg of their round of 16 tie. Both sides will be hopeful of progressing in the tie, and the first leg could be crucial in deciding the team that progresses.
Atletico finished second Group B in the first half of the campaign, as they finished eleven points behind Liverpool. The Spanish side scored seven goals and conceded eight, as they won two of the six games that they played. However, both victories came away from home, as they were beaten by both Liverpool and AC Milan in Madrid.
It was a nervy start to Group F for Manchester United, but they eventually eased to top group with three wins from their final five fixtures. United need to be more solid defensively on Wednesday, as they allowed eight goals in the six games that they played in the group stages.
Atletico have lost their last four matches against English sides, but we like the chances of the draw here, as United have won just once on their last seven visits to Spain in the Champions League knockout stages.
Pick: The draw @ +220
Benfica vs Ajax Preview, Odds & Pick
| Benfica | +320 |
| Draw | +280 |
| Ajax | -125 |
Ajax were one of the most exciting sides in the group stages of the Champions League this season, and are one of two teams that still boast a 100% record in the competition.
The Dutch side were outstanding in the first half of the campaign, as they won all six games in the very competitive Group C. Their biggest wins came at home in the competition, as they scored four in fixtures against Sporting Lisbon and Borussia Dortmund. However, their 5-1 win against Sporting in their last game in Portugal certainly bolds well for their chances on Wednesday.
Benfica did the unthinkable in the group stages and knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League. The Portuguese side picked up their biggest European win in decades at home against the Catalonian giants at they beat Barcelona 3-0. However, they came unstuck against Bayern Munich, losing 5-2 away and 4-0 at home.
Ajax have a great record away from home against Benfica, as they have gone three without a defeat. Their latest visit came in November 2018, as the sides played out a 1-1 draw. However, it is hard to look past anything other than a victory for the away side in the first leg.
Pick: Ajax @ -125
