The Champions League Last Eight: Who will be Champions?
It might be the International break but when club football returns each competition will be coming to a close. Especially the Champions League as the last eight teams will be hoping to lift one of most prestigious trophies in world football. But who will be Champions League champions?
Real Madrid vs Juventus
A repeat of the 2017 final as La Liga champions face Serie A title winners. Real Madrid fans hoping their lackluster performance in the domestic league finished already, they currently sit 3rd, 15 points behind Barcelona. Even though Los Blanco’s league campaign has been sub-par there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Zidane’s team have managed to develop some good form recently, with one loss in eleven games. Ronaldo has put on his scoring boots with 22 goals in 11 games. Take away they league campaign, Real Madrid is still one of the strongest team left in the competition and have regained the form from last season. They know how to win the competition and have potential to win it for a record three times in a row.
Juventus, on the other hand, find themselves lucky to be in quarterfinals after scraping a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, during a short spell of a rare Tottenham lapse in focus. However, over the two legs, Tottenham was evidently the better team and deserved a place in the last eight. However, Serie A champions showed they quality and experience which overcame young in-experienced Spurs side. Taking Juventus’ Champions League campaign into mind, it seems age has outgrown experience with the team lacking young quality apart from Dybala. Their cup campaign could end in a fortnight against Real Madrid.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Manchester City are one of the favorites to win this competition and why not? They have taken Premier League by storm this season as they hope to win the league before the second leg against Liverpool. The English league leaders’ squad has incredible depth and although their starting eleven is young the quality is immense. Having Kompany back as well as a real boost for The Citizens as they hope to win this Competition for the first time in their history.
Liverpool were probably hoping to avoid their league rivals. The Reds have one of deadliest front three in Europe at the minute with Salah headlining the world of football almost every week. The Egyptian has scored 37 goals in all competitions, six in the champions league. However, the defence is letting Klopp’s team down even though the signing of Van Dijk has yet to sow things up at the back. City has a balanced team with Liverpool defence being too weak, City should punish the most minor of mistakes.
FC Barcelona vs AS Roma
A contest that will not be hard to guess with Roma making past Beskitas in Round of 16. The Italian side have done brilliantly to get here after finishing top of their group, above Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. But facing one of the best players in the world and one of the strongest teams, Roma have a big task to just keep the score low, and avoid embarrassment. Barcelona, on the other hand, will be hoping to win the Champions League along with La Liga as they hope to cement their superior as the best.
Bayern Munich vs Sevilla
Another Spanish team that has made it to the last eight but take nothing away from Seville’s mature performance at Old Trafford. The La Liga side beat Manchester United 2-1 sending them through after being the underdog. Now they face an even stronger side in the name of Bayern Munich. Keeping the likes of Lewandoski, Rodriguez, and Robben will be an uphill task for Seville. On paper, Bundesliga team should have no problems getting past Seville but after beating United the Spanish side will be flying high. Bayern has struggled in Europe this season and the squad has not been as impressive. It seems the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are leaving them behind.
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