The Champions League Semifinals are upon us, and both matchups look to be close contests. Having been heavy underdogs in both of their previous ties, Ajax vs Tottenham will be uncharted waters for these two teams. It’s unlikely that eight months ago, either team thought they’d find themselves 180 minutes away from a Champions League Final. On the other side of the tournament tree is a neutral fan’s dream match. Liverpool vs Barcelona is the epitome of what the Champions League is about: star-studded, dominant teams going head-to-head. Who’ll play in Madrid on June 1?
Ajax vs Tottenham
No one expected the Ajax youngsters to get here. However, they prevailed twice against European royalty; first against Real Madrid, then against Ronaldo’s Juventus. When you realize they’ve scored more goals across all competitions than any other team in Europe, it’s hard to continue to label them as underdogs.
An incredibly technically-gifted side, Ajax can maintain possession under pressure surprisingly well for such a relatively inexperienced group of players. They’ll look to move the ball around with quick, short passes and use their individual ability to create space in the final third. De Ligt will need to be outstanding in order to neutralize the potential threats of Son, Kane, and Lucas.
Tottenham barely made it out of their group and surprised everyone with their 4-0 dismantling of Dortmund over two legs. They followed it up with an even gutsier performance against a Manchester City side who may be one of the best teams England has ever seen. The Spurs have proven that they have the ability to beat the best.
Their biggest strength may be their manager, Mauricio Pochettino. With hardly any budget, he’s achieved more than most managers could in his position. He outclassed Guardiola in the first leg of the quarters, and he could set his team up perfectly against the Dutch side. However, Tottenham are also known as England’s biggest bottlers, which is probably harsh. However, this is the perfect opportunity for them to either confirm that notion or silence the haters.
Winner: Ajax
Neither team has much Champions League experience, but beating the reigning champions and the competition’s greatest ever player in consecutive rounds is something that can’t be looked past.
Barcelona vs Liverpool
Barcelona are on a mission after last year’s embarrassing loss to Roma where they blew a 4-1 lead. They’ve already secured La Liga and have made quick work of most of their opponents in the Champions League. Simply put, Barcelona look like the best team in the world at the moment.
On paper, Barcelona seems nearly flawless. From Ter Stegen to Suarez, Barcelona have world class players at almost every position. They continue to excel at playing possession football, getting everyone involved in the play, and creating tons of chances. Not to mention they have the greatest player in the history of the game.
Liverpool are in the semifinals for the second year in a row. After last year’s brutal loss to Madrid in the final, the Reds will be searching for redemption. And, this year, they’re even better.
Spearheaded by the deadly trio of Firmino, Salah, and Mane, Liverpool are probably the best counter-attacking team in the world, able to break with peace and power that, at times, can be utterly devastating. On the other end of the pitch, they have the Premier League’s best defense, lead by PFA Player of the Year Virgil Van Dijk. Their midfield excels at pressing, but if anyone can escape a press, it’s Busquets and Barcelona.
Winner: Barcelona
Liverpool will certainly cause Barcelona problems, but Messi and Dembele will prevent the Red’s fullbacks from getting too high up the pitch, limiting their chances. And, even though Van Dijk may seem like an immovable object, the unstoppable force of Lionel Messi could show us otherwise.
