The draw for quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League was made yesterday in Nyom. Some of the giants like Barcelona, Juventus and PSG will be missing for the remainder of the competition. But regardless, we have a strong line-up and some mouth-watering ties to look forward to.
Quarter-final 1: Chelsea vs Real Madrid
The first quarter-final sees competition’s defending champions against the competition’s most successful team. Chelsea can take heart from the fact that they are unbeaten against Los Blancos in five European ties. The most recent of those were last season’s semi-finals, where the Blues prevailed 3-1 on aggregate. However, Real Madrid will be out of revenge and will fancy their chances with an in-form Karim Benzema leading their line. It will be a reunion for former Blues Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Carlo Ancelotti.
Round of 16 results
LOSC Lille 1-4 Chelsea
Real Madrid 3-2 PSG
Quarter-final 2: Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid’s reward for eliminating one Manchester side is taking on another one. Man City have suffered an untimely wobble that has seen their lead at the top to cut to just one point. Atletico meanwhile, have had a largely underwhelming defense of their title, though have found some form of late. Los Rojiblancos produced one of their trademark away performances against Man United, and will need more of that against Man City.
Round of 16 results
Manchester City 5-0 Sporting CP
Manchester United 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Quarter-final 3: Villarreal CF vs Bayern Munich
Villarreal produced a stunning away performance to thrash Juventus out of the competition. They’ll need to be in that kind of form to stand any chance against an imperious Bayern Munich. The Germans thrashed Austrian side Salzburg 7-1, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the earliest hattrick in the Champions League. His absence in last season’s quarter-final against PSG proved vital, but with him at his top form, the Bavarians are once again hot favourites to go all the way.
Round of 16 results
Bayern Munich 8-2 RB Salzburg
Juventus 1-4 Villarreal
Quarter-final 4: SL Benfica vs Liverpool
An unseen home defeat to Inter ended Liverpool’s hot streak in Europe, but they still look in ominous form. The Reds have cut the deficit at the top of the Premier League to just a single point, and having bagged the EFL Cup, are dreaming for a Quadruple. Standing in their way are Benfica, who impressively beat an imperious looking Ajax 3-2 on aggregate.
Round of 16 results
Ajax 2-3 Benfica
Liverpool 2-1 Inter
Champions League Semi-final draw
The winner of quarter-final 2 will play the winner of quarter-final 1 in semi-final 1. Winner of quarter-final 4 will play winner of quarter-final 3.