Champions League round of 16 second leg preview: Dortmund must go all out against Tottenham

Champions League round of 16 second leg preview: Dortmund must go all out against Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Ajax have tough task away at Real Madrid, while Manchester United travel to PSG.

There are plenty of storylines to follow in the UEFA Champions League next week, with the first batch of second leg ties in the round of 16 set to take place. On Tuesday night (5 March), Borussia Dortmund must overturn a deficit when Tottenham come to town and Real Madrid host Ajax. The following evening, Manchester United travel to PSG looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.

First things first

First up, the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham. Spurs won the first leg 3-0, leaving the German side with the proverbial mountain to climb in front of their own fans – and that could prove a pivotal difference.

Dortmund come into this match top of the Bundesliga and having won their most recent league outing. Tottenham, in stark contrast, have lost their last two league matches and could well be struggling for both form and confidence ahead of this return encounter.

Regarding this second leg tie, it is Dortmund who are the clear favourites to win.

Real Madrid host Ajax

On the same evening, defending European champions Real Madrid host Ajax with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg. Los Blancos have won the last three editions of the UEFA Champions League but are priced out at 10.00 to make it four in a row this season.

Ajax sit second in the Eredivisie, but their technical class cannot match that of Real Madrid. Having lost at home, it will take more than a minor miracle to find a way past the champions in their own back yard.

And it is Real Madrid who come in as the overwhelming favourites to win this second leg tie.

United face tough task at PSG

And finally, PSG host Manchester United having won 2-0 at Old Trafford in the first leg. PSG sit 17 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 but it is the Champions League which is their priority this season, and they are priced at 6.00 to win the continental competition this season – only Manchester City are priced lower.

United sit fifth in the Premier League, just a point behind Arsenal in fourth, and if they are to be in the Champions League next year then it may well have to be through league position because they have a tough task on their hands here. Having lost 2-0 at home in the first leg, it will take something special for the Red Devils to progress here.