Both Champions League quarterfinals games gave us plenty of excitement, a beautiful bicycle kick, an own goal and one sentenced fixture. Real Madrid continue to dominate Juventus anywhere they play and Bayern was fortunate to come out with the victory in Seville. What went right or wrong for each team today?
Bayern vs Sevilla
Bayern: To me, leaving Robben and James out of the lineup for a crucial first leg against Sevilla was risky. Of course Sevilla is not on the same level as Bayern but visiting the Sanchez Pizjuan is always a difficult task. Sevilla’s opening goal seemed to prove just that but Jesus Navas’ own goal gave Bayern life in the first half. A play that coincidentally, started with James who was subbed on for an injured Arturo Vidal. Far from Bayern’s best game but again, they’re a team with experienced and World Class players who can handle the pressure that comes with Champions League games. It may not have been pretty, but Bayern got the job done.
Sevilla: Another brave Sevilla that left everything out on the pitch at home. Sadly, they beat themselves. Two own goals (yes Thiago’s goal is an own goal to me) and Sarabia’s missed sitter in the first half has cost them the game. Their best chance to advance to the semi final was in front of their home fans and they’ve wasted it. Sevilla can play wonderful as a team but they are still missing that one experienced killer on the field that can handle moments of pressure and can still lead the team. They’re a star player away from making noise in Europe again. Unfortunate to come away with the loss but don’t have anyone to blame but themselves.
Real Madrid vs Juventus
Juventus: Cristiano’s early goal ruined Juventus’ entire game plan. Juve seemed rushed and with no patience for the rest of the half. Their high pressure made it difficult for Real Madrid to play out of the back but it also left a huge gap between the mid and the defense. Horrible finishing from the hosts, Higuain did little to nothing (shocker) and Dybala cracked under pressure. They were the better team in between Cristiano’s goals but the team that dominates doesn’t always win if they don’t put the ball in the back of the net. A 3-0 thumping at home is almost impossible to come back from.
Real Madrid: The beast continues to roar. Capitalized on Juve’s mistakes and now have a foot and a half in the semis. Hard to beat a team with the greatest scorer the game has ever seen. Like I said in the preview, it’s almost impossible to hold Madrid and Cristiano scoreless. Only way to beat them is by limiting their chances and by simply outscoring them. Madrid did a great job of forcing Dybala to go deeper to receive the ball and clogged up the middle making it impossible for Higuain to control and shoot. Champions become champions thanks to their mentality. Today, Real Madrid was outperformed for a long stretch but their mental strengths won them the game.