⚽ Exciting matches await us today — both locally with the first week of the Nile League finals, and internationally with the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

The Cairo derby: The classic matchup of Zamalek and Al Ahly is expected to kick off tonight at 9:30pm in the opening match of the Egyptian League’s final phase, where nine teams compete for the title. Al Ahly currently sits in second place with 39 points, looking to catch up with leader Pyramids, who are three points ahead. Zamalek is third on the leaderboard with 32 points, and needs a win to keep their title hopes alive and secure a CAF Champions League qualification spot.

The show may not go on, however: Al Ahly is now threatening to withdraw from the domestic competition if its request that foreign referees manage the match is not met, with the request echoed in a statement put out by the club’s board after an emergency meeting this morning.

Three other Nile League matches will be kicking off at 9:30pm:

  • Haras El Hodoud vs. Petrojet (Championship Group)
  • Modern Sport vs. Smouha (Relegation Group)
  • El Gouna vs. Al Ittihad (Relegation Group)

Four pivotal second-leg matches in the 16th round of the Champions League are taking place today, all of which start at 10pm, except for Barcelona’s fixture.

Barcelona and Benfica will be meeting at Camp Nou at 7:34pm. The Catalan team will begin the match with high morale, having clinched the first leg with a 1-0 victory. The players hope to dedicate a victory today to the team’s late doctor Carles Minyarro Garcia.

In Deutschland, Bayer Leverkusen faces a tough challenge against Bayern Munich, who secured an impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg. Bayern are dealing with some absences — most notably goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Similarly, Leverkusen faces an enormous challenge with star player Florian Wirtz sidelined, making a possible comeback even more difficult.

Liverpool welcomes Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated clash. The Reds have a first-leg victory advantage, and hope to use their home support at Anfield to secure qualification. PSG will be entering the match hoping that luck will smile on them after their impressive performance in the first leg, aiming for a “remontada” that would take them to the next round.

Inter Milan will be going head to head with Feyenoord in a match that will be difficult for the away team after losing 2-0 in the first leg.

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