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UEFA Champions League this season only eight strongest teams remained, which will fight for four spots in the semi-finals. In the first knockout stage, there was no shortage of intriguing matchups and unexpected results. Undoubtedly, the most impressive battle took place between Madrid's "Real" and Paris's "Saint-Germain" teams. The "Royal" club, led by Karim Benzema, managed to eliminate a two-goal deficit in about 20 minutes and knocked out the dream team called PSG from the trophy race. A sensation was also provided by the "Villarreal" team, who defeated Turin's "Juventus" players 3-0 in an away game, while "Benfica" unexpectedly eliminated Erik ten Hag's "Ajax" team from the tournament. A fierce battle also took place between Madrid's "Atletico" and "Manchester United," where the Spanish club ultimately proved their advantage.
Paradoxically, looking at the quarterfinal matchups, one might assume that this season's round of 8 was potentially more interesting than what awaits us in the quarterfinals. "Chelsea" - Madrid "Real" If such a pair had been suggested a couple of months ago, the moods would probably have been very different. However, now "Chelsea" is in uncertainty due to sanctions applied to Roman Abramovich, which has left the club unsure whether they can sell tickets to home matches to fans.
Although the players and coach Thomas Tuchel of the London club unanimously trumpet that the team is ready to play and fight regardless of all circumstances, it is difficult to imagine that such things should not have an impact. Although a clear favorite is not singled out in this pair, in our eyes, "Real" has much better chances to advance to the next stage and approach another Champions League trophy.
"Manchester City" - Madrid "Atletico" Madrid "Atletico" barely won against one Manchester club, and now they await a confrontation with another, much more threatening one - "Manchester City." Diego Simeone's pupils played a good first match at home, where they failed to secure a victory only due to a rough mistake.
Yet it must be admitted that the Spanish champions did just as well at "Old Trafford," where "Man Utd" wasted opportunities, and the visitors ultimately took advantage of one of the few chances they had. No matter how banal it may sound, "Atletico"'s chances in this pair are completely minimal. Truth be told, "Man City" has started to falter recently, but it is unlikely that Pep Guardiola's pupils will remain in the doldrums for long.
"Villarreal" - "Bayern" The Spanish club led by Unai Emery continues to impress Europe. It should not be forgotten that last season "Villarreal" won the Europa League, and this year they are already in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Obviously, the Spaniards will be clear underdogs against "Bayern," but U. Emery has shown many times that he is a top-level strategist capable of preparing his team excellently for such a short series. "Benfica" - "Liverpool" A series that is hard to say much about - it's hardly possible. "Benfica" has already achieved a great result, but the spells favored a Portugal club, probably against Europe's currently best-form team. It can be boldly said that "Benfica" here can only be saved by a miracle, and "Liverpool" should confidently stride into the semi-finals.
