Real Madrid, Man City ‘eye’ last 8 of Champions League

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LONDON, March 15, (AP): The Champions League talking points ahead of the remaining second-leg matches in the round of 16 on Tuesday and Wednesday: Real vs Atalanta (first leg: 1-0) Karim Benzema is back in top form after an injury-enforced absence, giving Real Madrid extra strike power against Atalanta. Benzema scored three goals in his two matches since returning to the squad, including two that gave Madrid a 2-1 win over Elche in the Spanish league on Saturday.

Madrid will also have captain Sergio Ramos available for Tuesday’s match following a long injury absence that ended in the game against Elche. Left back Marcelo may also return after an injury layoff. Atalanta have won all their European matches away from home this season, including a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has almost a full squad available, although defender Remo Freuler is suspended following his red card in the first leg. Atalanta have won three of its last four matches in Serie A since the first-leg loss to Madrid.

Man City vs M’gladbach (2-0) Manchester City are running away with the Premier League title but Gladbach are in a tailspin after losing all of their six games since the Feb. 15 announcement that coach Marco Rose is joining Borussia Dortmund next season. Just like the first leg, this game will be played in Budapest, Hungary, because of German restrictions on travel from Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic. City are 14 points clear in the Premier League and can focus on trying to win the Champions League for the first time.

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