**Premier World League 2025 – Group C Playoffs
Round 2 • Second-Leg Preview**
The second legs in Group C are set to deliver high drama, with some ties nearly decided and others hanging by a thread. Here’s what to expect as teams battle for a place in the next round:
Newell’s Old Boys (ARG) vs Bolívar (BOL)
First leg: Bolívar 5–1 Newell’s
Bolívar enters the second leg with an imposing four-goal lead after a dominant display. Newell’s must score at least four goals just to force extra time — a massive challenge against a team that outclassed them in the opener. Bolívar, meanwhile, can adopt a patient, controlled approach, knowing that even a narrow loss won’t threaten their position.
Key factor: Whether Newell’s can generate early goals without exposing their weakened defense.
Advantage: Bolívar – overwhelmingly.
LA Galaxy (USA) vs Newcastle United (UK)
First leg: LA Galaxy 2–1 (away)
LA Galaxy return home with a narrow but valuable advantage. Newcastle will push for an early equalizer, but Galaxy’s counterattacking ability could punish them if they commit too many numbers forward. This tie is far from over: Newcastle has the firepower to flip the script, but Galaxy’s momentum and home environment tilt the balance.
Key factor: Newcastle’s ability to finish chances — they can’t afford inefficiency in the final third.
Advantage: Slight edge to LA Galaxy, but still very open.
Crystal Palace (UK) vs Borussia Dortmund (GER)
First leg: Dortmund 3–0
Crystal Palace face the toughest task in the group: overturning a three-goal deficit against one of the strongest attacks in the competition. To have any hope, Palace must strike early and avoid conceding — a single Dortmund goal could end the tie on the spot. Dortmund, with a comfortable cushion, can dictate tempo and hit on the break.
Key factor: Palace’s defensive discipline during their necessary all-out attack.
Advantage: Dortmund – very strong position.
Urawa Reds (JAP) vs FC Tokyo (JAP)
First leg: 1–1
This is the most finely balanced matchup in Group C. With the tie level and neither side holding an advantage, expect a high-pressure derby atmosphere. Urawa Reds have home support, but FC Tokyo have shown they can match them stride for stride. One moment of brilliance — or one mistake — could decide everything.
Key factor: Midfield control; whoever dictates rhythm will likely advance.
Advantage: Even – a true 50/50 showdown.
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