Previewing the Champions League Quarter-finals
The Champions League round of 16 did not disappoint, and if it was a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the competition, then fans are in for a treat. The quarter final draw took place on March 18th, and the matchups pit Real Madrid vs Chelsea, Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City, Villareal vs Bayern Munich, and Liverpool vs Benfica. Let’s take a peek at what to look for in every tie.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City
Man City is looking to go one step further than last year, and capture that elusive first Champions League title, but they can not overlook Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side knocked out City’s nearby rivals in the last round, and showed they still have the rugged mentality to grind out results, along with enough quality from the likes of Joao Felix, Antoine Griezman and the rest of their attacking options. Pep Guardiola’s team will be a whole different challenge, as they have looked a cut above the rest of Europe for much of this campaign. Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will look to control their forward play, and City will counter press any time they lose the ball. Set pieces may be the one edge Atletico has so quality deliveries will be vital. Both legs will be predicated on possession vs counter attack, setting up for a classic battle.
Bernardo Silva has been a dominant force for Guardiola this year
Benfica vs Liverpool
Liverpool are clear favorites and it is a great achievement just for Benfica to have made it this far, but they will not go down without a fight. Luis Diaz, Mo Salah, and Sadio Mane are in great form, and Liverpool seem to be back to their best as a unit with Virgil Van Dijk back up to full strength in the back. He will have his hands full with Darwin Nunez who at just 22 is proving to be one of Europe’s best forwards, already over 20 league goals this year. Liverpool will press and press, while Benfica will lean on the experience of Jan Vertonghen and Nicolas Otamendi in the back, while Nunez and the Brazilian winger Everton spearhead the attack. With a little luck and some ruthlessness up front, it is possible Benfica could pull the upset, but Liverpool really should have too much quality.
Real Madrid vs Chelsea
This is a very even tie where both sides have had incredibly high ups and downs this year. Real Madrid’s recent Clasico debacle should give Chelsea confidence, but they also saw how Real dismantled PSG in the final 30 minutes last round, so it really is a toss up. Chelsea won 3-1 on aggregate last season, but they have not always shown the same ruthlessness and defensive solidity that pushed them to win the competition last year. Karim Benzema and Vinicius going up against Chelsea’s three center backs will be a key battle, along with who can gain midfield control after N’golo Kante dominated the tie a year ago. Both teams have vast Champions League winning experience, but the managerial edge has to go to Chelsea, as Ancelotti’s stubbornness has held Madrid back at times this year. It is too close to call, and should be a fantastic two-legged tie.
Chelsea celebrates after scoring vs Real Madrid in the 2021 Champions League semi-finals
Bayern Munich vs Villareal
Villareal has already slayed one giant of the European game in Juventus, and with how Unai Emery’s side is set up this will be no easy task for Bayern. The Spanish side will look to frustrate Robert Lewandowski and limit his opportunities, and it could be a massive tie for Pau Torres to solidify himself as a top young center back in the world. This Bayern side though are very difficult to frustrate as Julian Nagelsnann has them possessing the ball at a high rate and not allowing other teams to do so. Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry offer dynamism and goal threat from out wide, while Joshua Kimmich patrols the middle of the pitch setting up his teammates for success. Villareal will need Gerard Moreno to be as impactful as he was against Juventus, and Arnaut Danjuma and Yeremi Pino to put in tough defensive shifts while offering support on the break as well. Bayern cannot overlook this tough Villareal side, but with their experience and unreal talent, they should get by.