Champions League: Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Tottenham Headline Final Day Of Round 3
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga
Real Madrid vs Juventus
All eyes will be on the game between Real Madrid and Juventus. This game will be among the first true tests for Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid side, after they lost 5-2 to Atlético Madrid, which has been the only big team they've faced this season. It's a tricky game, but our experts might've cracked it. You can see their best picks in our Real Madrid vs Juventus prediction.
However, Los Blancos should feel confident against the Old Ladies at home, especially after Juventus’s string of poor performances. Whereas Real Madrid have won ten of the 11 games played this season, Juventus have won only three of their nine, while failing to win any of their last six. Despite losing only one of their last six games, taking five draws in six games is still a worrying trend for Igor Tudor’s men.
But in all fairness, those five draws were against Verona, AC Milan, and Atalanta in the league, with two draws against Dortmund and Villarreal in the Champions League. And considering they beat Madrid 3-1 in their last meeting, which was away, the struggling Juventus side can't be ruled out even with Real’s fiery form.
AS Monaco vs Tottenham
Another major fixture coming our way is the one between AS Monaco and Tottenham, two teams desperate for points. Expect intense attacking action, especially from Monaco, who have claimed just one point after losing their Champions League opener by 4-1 to Club Brugge before taking an impressive 2-2 home draw against Manchester City.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have been more impressive, taking four points from two games, with a 1-0 win against Villarreal and a 2-2 away draw to Bodo/Glimt. However, that latest game called Tottenham's credentials into question as they've failed to beat a much lower-ranked team in a must-win game.
In truth, Tottenham have now managed only one win in their last five games. Against a hungry Monaco side that's scored 20 goals in ten games so far, Spurs might be in for another winless game.
Chelsea vs Ajax
Although the betting odds heavily swing in favour of Chelsea to beat Ajax, this might turn out to be a very tricky game for the Blues. Yes, Ajax have been underwhelming with two losses in their two Champions League games so far, and only one win in their last five competitive games. However, their H2H history and Chelsea’s squad troubles might make a difference for the away side. Check out our experts’ best Chelsea vs Ajax prediction.
The last time they met, Ajax was on its way to qualify for the Champions League after netting four goals against Chelsea in their backyard. However, two quick late red cards for Ajax changed the game, which saw Chelsea come back from 4-2 to end the game as a draw.
Admittedly, this Ajax side is much weaker. But this is also not convincing on paper, especially with Cole Palmer, Delap, Joao Pedro, and Enzo Fernandez missing from the lineup. Without their full squad, it won't be surprising if a hungry Ajax side holds the Blues to a shock defeat or draw at Stamford Bridge.
