American soccer players continue to make an impact in Europe, and some USMNT players could see the field this week as the UEFA Champions League round of 16 continues on Tuesday and Wednesday. You can watch the games on CBS All Access. There are four games this week in the round of 16, with at least one American expected to play, though we possibly could see two. On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid host Chelsea in Bucharest, while Lazio welcome Bayern Munich.
Wednesday's games see Atalanta host Real Madrid, while Manchester City travel to Budapest to take on Borussia Monchengladbach.
Craving more coverage of the Champions League? The ¡Que Golazo! podcast has a full preview of Tuesday's action. Listen below:
Here are the two Americans we could see this week, when they play, how to watch and what their role may be:
1. Christian Pulisic, Chelsea
When: Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET
How to watch: CBS All Access
His potential involvement against Atletico Madrid: Pulisic hasn't played for the club since Feb. 11, missing time this month due to a calf issue. He's recovered now and in the squad to take on Atletico Madrid. It's unclear if he will start the match, but it could be an opportunity to give Mason Mount a bit of rest. As for the game, Atletico Madrid likes to get their fullbacks forward, which could result in some space to do damage if Pulisic ends up seeing the field, which would be his 30th UCL appearance. What feels most likely is an appearance off the bench, easing him back into things after yet another minor injury.
Pulisic playing for Chelsea on Tuesday would set the record for the most U.S. internationals to play in a UCL knockout stage. The current record was three, set in this current edition with Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie playing. That mark equals the 2004-05 campaign where DeMarcus Beasley (PSV), Landon Donovan (Bayer Leverkusen) and Tim Howard (Manchester United) all played.
Pulisic can also become the American with the most appearances in the UCL knockout stages with just one more match in this competition. He's currently tied with six appearances with Beasley. If Pulisic scores, he would also be the first U.S. international to score multiple knockout stage goals, which would also make him the most prolific American goal scorer in the competition's history. Pulisic currently is sitting on four Champions League goals.
So who should you back in the UEFA Champions League match between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see this week's best bets for the UEFA Champions League, all from the European soccer insider who's generated over $16,900 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season!
2. Zack Steffen, Manchester City
When: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
How to watch: CBS All Access
His potential involvement against Borussia Monchengladbach: The City backup goalkeeper seems highly unlikely to see the field at all with Ederson a sure starter. The only way Steffen plays on Wednesday is if Ederson picks up a knock and has to be removed, or if he ends up getting a red card. Steffen is primarily a domestic cup goalkeeper for the club, which is usually where backups get their minutes during a season. He has played in UCL this year though, filling in for Ederson against Marseille in the group stage.
It Steffen plays, he will become the second U.S. goalkeeper to play in the knockout stage, joining Howard.
So who should you back in the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see this week's best bets for the UEFA Champions League, all from the European soccer insider who's generated over $16,900 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season!
