We’re past the last FIFA break of the season and the players are preparing for the last sprint of the season. Most of Europe’s top leagues have been practically decided by now meaning that Champions League is the last chance for many teams to win silverware. In the quarterfinals, we’re gifted with some truly entertaining fixtures like Real Madrid vs Juventus and Liverpool vs City. Who has a chance? Who’s going to upset?
Real Madrid vs Juventus:
The defending champions are no strangers to the competition. Despite a rocky start to the season, Zidane’s men have seemed to turn it around following their Round of 16 fixture against PSG. Cristiano has re-found his scoring boots, Bale’s reaching peek form and even Real Madrid’s bench is finding their swagger. It’s no secret that the club historically prioritizes Champions League over any other competition. With the league and cup lost, the club has made it an even bigger priority. Experience, talent and an undivided focus on the trophy makes Real Madrid a scary, scary opponent.
Juventus find themselves in an unfamiliar situation in league. Unlike in previous seasons, they’re currently neck and neck with Napoli for the Serie A title. Allegri’s men are far from their elite level from last season and the results speak for themselves. Dybala and Higuain haven’t been themselves, the squad has been battling with injuries all season and the bench just isn’t as deep. They scrapped by against a Tottenham side that was, arguably, the better side during the 180 minutes.
Two familiar opponents facing each other for the second straight season and for the fourth time in five years. As much as I want to believe that Allegri will have the solution this time, I just think that Real Madrid is just too much for the Italians. Too many weaknesses that the high intensity of Real Madrid will surely expose. It’s almost impossible to contain Real Madrid’s offense meaning that Juventus would need to rely on their attacking stars to lead the way. Stars that, again, have not been at their best all season.
An elite Juventus was no match for Real Madrid last season and I don’t think much will change this year.
Winner: Real Madrid
Bayern vs Sevilla
I am a huge fan of Sevilla. To me, they’re one of the most underrated teams in Europe. The Sanchez Pizjuan is their fortress making them practically unbeatable at home. They intimidated United into playing a defensive first league thus costing them the fixture. We’ve seen Sevilla cause Barcelona problems this past weekend and the visitors needed the greatest player in the World to bail them out. Much like I said when Sevilla faced off against United in the Round of 16, the Sanchez Pizjuan will play a massive role in the fixture. Sevilla have an amazing team that can give anyone in Europe constant problems.
Bayern have re-found their form. Despite hitting the panic button and firing Ancelotti earlier in the season, Bayern are rolling through the season. The league is practically won (again) and the club can focus on just the Champions League (again). Their systematic football causes little to no mistakes and they are more than capable of punishing any opponent if they give them the opportunity to. Rock solid in the back and deadly up top, Bayern continues to be one of the most feared teams in Europe.
I would love to see Sevilla advance and continue with their Cinderella story but I just don’t see how they can beat Bayern. Bayern is no United and will go after the game right from the start without worrying about where they’re playing. As solid as Sevilla is at home, Bayern can be just as unbeatable at the Allianz Arena. It will come down to Bayern’s star power that will eventually crack Sevilla’s troublesome defense.
Winner: Bayern
Barcelona vs AS Roma
Barcelona are picking up the pace towards the end of the season and their new MSD trio is beginning to click more and more every game. Dembele is learning what Messi requires from him partly thanks to Messi’s leadership skills as well as the support from the entire club. We are aware of the impact Messi can have single handedly in a game and with a sharp Suarez and an improving Dembele, Roma’s defense will need to be 100% mistake-free for both matches. Add Barcelona’s rock solid defense and you create one of the most well-rounded teams in Europe.
Roma, much like Sevilla, is the underdog that is relying on their home support. They’ve proved that they can compete with some of Europe’s best teams this season and they have a fantastic striker in Edin Dzeko that can score some crucial goals when needed. If they can come away from the Camp Nou with a goal and a close result, they could have a chance at defeating the Catalan giants.
At the end of the day, I don’t think Roma has much of a chance at eliminating Barcelona. Barcelona, much like Bayern, are too stacked and posses the individual firepower that Roma simply doesn’t have. The Catalanes have big name players of experience, composure and can decide a game at any given moment. I see Barcelona sentencing this fixture in the first leg at home.
Winner: Barcelona
Liverpool vs Manchester City
If anyone can beat City, it’s Liverpool. Not just because they are the only team to beat them in the league but because of the way they match up. Liverpool’s attack minded wingers will force City’s outside backs to stay disciplined knowing that a counter could be lethal. A much improved defense will also give City headaches for 180 minutes. Klopp will surely let City dominate possession and rely on City’s mistakes to pounce.
City has been my choice for the Champions League for a few months by now but this fixture might make or break their campaign. I still think City has the best squad in Europe not just because of the names but because of the system they play and the different roles and qualities that each player has. They’re an extremely well rounded side that has dominated through most of the season. If David Silva is given the liberty to dictate the game, I do not see many teams stopping City.
I think that neither of the home teams will have a major advantage in this fixture. Both sides face each other pretty frequently in league and cup play so they are aware of what it takes to play in the opponent’s home. To me, the deciding factor will be who wins the first leg. We have yet to see City really troubled by different opponents so I’m curious to see how the team handles that pressure. Also, if Liverpool win the first leg or get a favorable result, how much will Pep risk for the second leg knowing Liverpool will be ready to pounce on their mistake? Has to be my favorite fixture of the round simply because they’re two super entertaining teams that know each other far too well.
Winner: City
If you agree or disagree with me, let me know!
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