Lionel Messi (Photo : Getty Images)
The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals will kick off this Tuesday, as Spanish football giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid squares it off in leg 1 of their tie, while Bayern Munich battles Portuguese power Benfica.
Event Details:
Tournament: UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals (Leg 1)
T.V Schedule/ Start Time: Barca vs. Atl Madrid on beIn Sports, Fox Sports 1 USA at 2:45 p.m US ET / Bayern Munich vs. Benfica on Fox Sports 2 USA, ESPN Deportes TV at 2:45 p. US ET
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid - Live Stream @ FoxSports Go, livesoccerTV (US, UK & CND) / Starters & Stats on ESPN FC Gamecast
On the line: Not only Barcelona's dominant six-game unbeaten streak against Atletico Madrid on the line Tuesday, a victory would give them an extra cushion before they head to Madrid next week. As for Atletico, a victory at Camp Nuo would make their upset a bid over the defending champion a little bit easier for leg 2.
Prediction: Still licking their wounds after their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in last weekend's El Classico, Barca is expected to come all out like a house on fire. Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez will be in their elements in this match, as they are very much aware that a loss on their home turf could spell trouble to them.
Predicted Winner: Barcelona 2-0
Bayern Munich vs. Benfica - Live Stream @ Fox Sports 2Go USA, Watch ESPN, Live Soccer TV (US, UK, CND) / Starters & Stats @ ESPN FC Gamecast
On the line: The German superpower looks to punch their way back to the semifinal round. They already went through the eye of the needle after escaping Juventus in their round-of-16 tie. Benfica, on the other hand, looks to end their losing skid against Bayern Munich in European competition.
The Lisbon-based club lost to Bayern in three occasions (1975-76 European Cup, 1981-82 European Cup, 1995-96 UEFA Cup). They also seek to advance into the semis for the first time since placing runner-up to AC Milan in 1990.
Prediction: Former goal-keeper Hans-Jorg Butt thinks there's a good reason why Bayern enters the match vs. Benfica as the favorite. However, he warns Pep Guardiola's boys to be cautious as the Portuguese champion very much has the tools to pull off an upset. In the end, Bayern's streak of 10 home game victories continues.
Predicted Winner: Bayern Munich 3-1
