The long preliminary phase is over, it's time for the best of the Champions League - the top eight from the league stage are resting until March and waiting for eight more teams to join them in the round of 16.
The journey for the teams that finished 9th to 24th continues through the playoffs, with the first matches being played today and tomorrow, with the first day itself bringing several great clashes.
It will also be a day for teams whose colors are defended by two Montenegrins - Nikola Krstović and Atalanta are visiting Dortmund, and Vasilije Adžić and Juventus play against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Paladin and adrenaline
The clash between Borussia and Atalanta will be one of the derbies, and Krstović is a great hope for the club from Bergamo regardless of whether he starts the match. His numbers this year are excellent, and he is also excellent Rafaele Paladino since he took over “La Deu”.
- This is a job that gives you incredible emotions. I've been overwhelmed with adrenaline for two days while preparing for this game, and the boys can't wait to get on the field. I'm really happy and excited about the match, we all have to enjoy it - said Paladino, who will not be able to count on in this match due to injury. Giacomo Raspadori.
Borussia are in great form in the Bundesliga, where they are unbeaten since October and the match against Bayern. However, they have not won in their last three matches in the Champions League.
- There will be moments when we will have the opportunity to use the space to create chances, but it is clear that Atalanta is a very strong opponent. I see the chances as 50:50 - he said Niko Kovač, the "millionaire's" coach.
Mourinho and Real - a new meeting arrived quickly
Anthological goal by a goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin against Real about twenty days ago brought Benfica a place in the playoffs, and then the balls of the draw quickly reunited the giants from Lisbon and Madrid. Can Benfica achieve another miracle? The coach of the "Eagles" Jose Murnia doesn't look at everything like that:
- I don't think it takes a miracle for Benfica to be eliminated by Real Madrid. I think we have to be at our highest level, almost perfect - said the legendary Portuguese, former Real coach.
On the other hand, and Alvaro Arbeloa will soon meet again with his former teacher Mourinho.
- Benfica didn't surprise me at all last time, because I know what Mourinho's teams are like. But now it's a new game, which has nothing to do with the previous one - Arbeloa emphasized.
When it comes to other matches, Adžić will likely start on the bench for a big challenge for Juve in Istanbul, while great football should also be expected in the clash of teams from French Ligue 1 between Monaco and European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS
Tuesday
Galatasaray - Juventus (18.45pm)
Borussia - Atalanta (9:00 p.m.)
Benfica - Real (9:00 p.m.)
Monaco - PSG (9:00 p.m.)
Wednesday
Karabag - Njukasl (18.45)
Bode/Glimt - Inter (9:00 p.m.)
Bruges - Atletico M. (9:00 p.m.)
Olympiacos - Bayer Leverkusen (9:00 p.m.)
Bonus video:
