Champions League Build-Up

The 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League season promises to deliver some of the best moments for soccer fans. The reigning champions Manchester City are hoping to defend their title this season after crashing Copenhagen 3-1 during their last-16 first-leg game. Mancity claimed their first UCL title during the 2022/2023 season, following a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Internazionale. But will the Citizens become the first team to retain a UCL trophy after Real Madrid?

Here's a closer look at the UEFA Champions League build-up to help you make accurate predictions and manage your expectations when enjoying the games. Fortunately, UCL enthusiasts can use Bemybet Kenya to wager on their predictions while watching the action unfold.

Reaction as Manchester City crashes Copenhagen 3-1

Manchester City are one step closer to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals following their brilliant 3-1 away victory over the spirited Copenhagen in Denmark. The title holders emerged victorious thanks to their dominant start, with Kevin De Bruyne breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute.

While Erling Haaland and company threatened to double the Citizen’s lead, Jack Grealish’s injury gave Copenhagen the chance to breathe and capitalize on Mancity’s first error. That gave the debutant Magnus Mattson the chance to score a brilliant equalizer, but Copenhagen’s celebration was short-lived as Bernardo Silva helped the Citizens regain control of the game just before half-time.

Despite Manchester City winning the game, fans were stunned by Goalkeeper Ederson’s costly mistake that allowed Copenhagen to equalize. That left many wondering whether such costly mistakes might cost City their title.

Brilliant Brahim Diaz helps Real Madrid defeat RB Leipzig

Brahim Diaz’s sensational goal led an injury-plagued Real Madrid to victory against Leipzig during their UCL last-16 game. The 24-year-old’s incredible effort was the sole goal of their first leg game, with the Spanish powerhouse taking their slim lead to their return fixture in Madrid on 6th March.

Diaz stepped in after Jude Bellingham’s injury and produced a magical moment that every Real Madrid fan would be proud of. Despite the hosts managing to keep the 14-time European Champions at bay during the first half, Brahim Diaz managed to break the deadlock during the 48th minute. This diminutive attacker took the ball from the right touchline and outsmarted the defender with his deft body feint.

After that, Diaz went past two Leipzig players and managed to stand on his feet despite multiple efforts to set off his balance. He then darted to the shooting range and unleashed a curling left-foot effort that touched the net through the left corner.  

Bayer Leverkusen set to dismantle Kane’s parade

Any negativity around Harry Kane’s disappointing performance in Munich’s 3-0 loss against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend should be viewed in context. Bayern Munich isn’t accustomed to being challenged on the level that Xabi Alonso’s men did.

The Bavarians have won the Bundesliga title 33 times and for the last 11 consecutive seasons. However, pressure is mounting for Bayern this season as they find themselves standing five points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the league table. The Bavarians are set to meet Lazio in their next Champions League game, while plagued by their poor form and multiple injuries in their squad.