With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
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Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
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Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
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Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.
With eight sturdy sides within the pot for Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, we knew we might get some unimaginable pairings in Europe’s elite competitors, however this draw actually did ship when it comes to speaking factors, drama and leisure worth. From Manchester Metropolis vs. Actual Madrid — a rematch of final season’s semifinal — to PSG vs. Barcelona, there are storylines galore.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
We additionally know the semifinal path for all eight sides, so let’s break down the storylines, key gamers and make some predictions.
ARSENAL vs. BAYERN MUNICH
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Look away, Arsenal followers. Bayern Munich have scored 5 targets previous the Gunners in every of the previous three encounters — twice in 2017 and in 2015 — and simply so as to add to the sense of this being the worst attainable draw when it comes to historical past for Arsenal, the tie will see former Tottenham ahead Harry Kane return to North London with Bayern to face his previous foe.
Now that is clearly a special Arsenal to the groups that have been humiliated by Bayern of their most up-to-date conferences. Mikel Arteta’s aspect are high of the Premier League and within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the primary time in over a decade, whereas Bayern face lacking out on the Bundesliga title for the primary time since 2011 this season.
However Bayern are unquestionably a bogey workforce for Arsenal.
In 12 earlier conferences, Bayern have gained seven and Arsenal simply three, with two attracts between the edges, however it’s when the golf equipment meet within the knockout phases that issues actually get bleak for Arsenal. The 2 sides have met on 4 events within the Champions League knockout rounds and Bayern have emerged victorious every time, with the Germán giants profitable 10-2 on combination within the 2016-17 spherical of 16 tie.
This is not nearly revenge for Arsenal: Beating Bayern can also be about proving they belong towards the very greatest European groups.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Arsenal’s job on this recreation is easy: Cease Harry Kane. The England captain has scored 36 targets in 34 video games in all competitions for Bayern since becoming a member of from Spurs final summer time, and Arteta will want his finest defender, William Saliba, to nullify Kane over the 2 video games.
Saliba’s absence within the last weeks of final season coincided with Arsenal’s decline and eventual end as runners-up to Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League, however he’s again to his finest this season and his head-to-head with Kane might determine the result of this tie.
How Arsenal can win
Beating Porto within the spherical of 16, albeit through a penalty shootout, was a key second for Arsenal’s younger workforce when it comes to their perception that they will succeed within the Champions League, however they must take it to a different stage towards Bayern. Arsenal have the tempo and vitality, plus the creativity of Martin Ødegaard in midfield, to tear Bayern aside. It is all about Arteta guaranteeing that his gamers deal with the sport in isolation moderately than ponder the historical past and custom of Bayern.
Traditionally this tie has not been a lot of a contest, however within the right here and now, Arsenal are greater than a match for Bayern. They only must consider it.
How Bayern Munich can win
Bayern’s expertise is the important thing to their prospects of success, each when it comes to their gamers and coach Thomas Tuchel. This Bayern squad continues to be stacked with gamers from their 2020 Champions League win, whereas Tuchel is aware of all about profitable this competitors having carried out so with Chelsea in 2021.
If the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman carry out, with Kane offering the targets, Bayern can overcome a assured younger Arsenal aspect by means of sheer expertise.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal
This recreation is such a tricky one to name, however Bayern have the nous and the benefit of the second-leg at house, so they may shade it.
ATLÉTICO MADRID vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
For 2 groups which have turn into such established Champions League opponents, it is a uncommon head-to-head fixture, with Dortmund and Atlético solely assembly 4 occasions beforehand within the competitors and by no means within the knockout rounds. However with such a heavyweight look to the quarterfinals, this matchup might be the one which each golf equipment would have chosen as a way to give themselves the very best probability of reaching the semifinals and probably even the ultimate.
When Dortmund gained the Champions League for the one time in 1996-97, they face Atléti twice within the group stage, profitable 1-0 in Spain earlier than shedding 2-1 within the return fixture in Germany. When the edges met once more within the 2018-19 group stage, Dortmund gained 4-0 at house earlier than shedding 2-0 in Madrid.
Are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund darkish horses within the Champions League?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund being drawn towards one another within the Champions League quarterfinals.
However whereas the fast precedence is to get by means of this tie, the prize of profitable is greater than merely reaching the semifinals. With the favourites (Arsenal, Bayern, Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis) within the different half of the draw, coaches Diego Simeone and Edin Terzic will be capable to plot a path to the ultimate at Wembley — going through both Barcelona or PSG — within the perception that they may every have a robust probability of success within the semis … if they get there.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This tie is uncommon in that it concerned two groups who depend on the collective moderately than particular person brilliance to beat opponents, however Dortmund’s greatest activity will probably be to win the midfield battle towards Atlético. That’s the place the facility lies in Diego Simeone’s workforce, with the tenacity and trade of Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul behind the attacking high quality of Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata, Ángel Correa and Memphis Depay.
Can Dortmund match up with Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt? They’ve the power, however have they got the work-rate to beat Simeone’s workforce?
How Atlético Madrid can win
Atlético eradicated an Inter Milan aspect that’s flying on the high of Serie A this week by displaying the traditional qualities that Diego Simeone has imposed on his groups — work-rate, never-say-die perspective and underappreciated high quality. If they’ve the identical strategy towards Dortmund, Atlético’s superior high quality in each space of the pitch ought to see them by means of.
Additionally they have a formidable house document to defend. Atlético have not misplaced a Champions League knockout tie at house since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax within the 1996-97 quarterfinals. They’ve 10 wins and seven attracts since that loss.
How Borussia Dortmund can win
Supervisor Edin Terzic wants forwards Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho to be at their very best over the 2 ties. Sancho limped out of the spherical of 16 second-leg win towards PSV Eindhoven after scoring the opening purpose, so getting the on-loan Manchester United winger match for the quarterfinal will probably be essential.
Dortmund have loads of expertise in Mats Hummels, Niklas Süle, Reus and Can, which is a constructive for the Bundesliga aspect, however whether or not they can preserve tempo with Atlético over two legs stays to be seen.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Atlético have all the things of their favour. They’ve a deeper squad, higher gamers and a supreme coach in Diego Simeone.
REAL MADRID vs. MANCHESTER CITY
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
Reigning champions Manchester Metropolis towards Actual Madrid, essentially the most profitable membership in Champions League historical past, in a tie that everyone needed to see aside from the 2 groups themselves.
Pep Guardiola’s Metropolis are the favourites to win the competitors for a second straight 12 months, however Actual are arguably their strongest challengers, that means this tie has loads of hazard for either side. Actual’s need for revenge after final season 5-1 combination semifinal defeat is one other aspect to this conflict. Metropolis and Actual have met in every of the final two seasons and the winners of the tie have gone on to win the competitors, underlining the pedigree of the 2 groups and the coaches, with Guardiola (three) and Carlo Ancelotti (4) having seven Champions League titles between them.
This tie has all the things. It pits the very best two coaches towards one another, provides us Jude Bellingham versus Erling Haaland and different nice names together with Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. It could have made a dream last, however in the end, probably the greatest sides within the competitors will probably be exiting on the quarterfinal stage.
Can Actual Madrid topple Man Metropolis within the Champions League quarterfinals?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to Champions League holders Man Metropolis being drawn towards Actual Madrid within the quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
Jude Bellingham has arguably made himself the very best midfielder on the planet at Actual this season, however by the identical token, no defensive midfielder can evaluate to Rodri proper now — the winner of this tie might come right down to who comes out on high in that battle. It isn’t a direct head-to-head, however it’s about which participant is ready to set the tempo: Actual’s Bellingham or Metropolis’s Rodri.
Metropolis have been within the operating to signal Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund final summer time earlier than the England participant selected as an alternative to maneuver to Actual, they usually may very well be set to find precisely what they missed out on.
How Actual Madrid can win
Actual have been blown away by Metropolis in a 4-1 second-leg defeat in final season’s semifinal as a result of they’d now reply to Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse midfield. If Actual are to avenge that loss this time round, they should win the midfield battle, however they benefit from having Bellingham of their ranks now, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni a 12 months older and wiser, plus the expertise of Kroos.
There may be a lot attacking high quality in either side, however Actual must beat Metropolis in midfield earlier than counting on their forwards to seal the win.
How Manchester Metropolis can win
Regardless of his unimaginable season final 12 months, Erling Haaland did not rating in his two video games towards Actual within the semis. Having destroyed Actual in midfield a 12 months in the past, Pep Guardiola will need his workforce to have a special gameplan to beat the Spanish giants, so they may want Haaland to have his capturing boots on this time.
If Haaland can take 2-3 of the probabilities that his teammates create, it may very well be an excessive amount of for Actual. The stress will probably be on him to step it up from final season’s efficiency.
Prediction: Manchester Metropolis 4-2 Actual Madrid
Manchester Metropolis aren’t fairly as formidable as final season, however they’ve a goalscorer in Haaland and Actual have not actually changed Karim Benzema. In a tie of positive margins, that is what is going to depend.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN vs. BARCELONA
Backstory/What it’s worthwhile to know
A tie dripping with current historical past and humiliation skilled by each groups. When it goes incorrect in PSG vs. Barcelona clashes, it actually goes incorrect, so can we anticipate one other meltdown on this quarterfinal tie?
Again in 2016-17, PSG travelled to Barcelona with a 4-0 first-leg benefit of their spherical of 16 tie and seemingly cruising into the quarterfinals, however a Lionel Messi-inspired Barça produced essentially the most beautiful fightback in Champions League historical past to win 6-1 in Camp Nou. 4 years later, PSG gained revenge by profitable 4-1 in Camp Nou on their method to a 5-2 spherical of 16 triumph, so the very best recommendation for this tie is to anticipate the unthinkable.
This can be a assembly between two groups within the midst of a transitional section. PSG are rebuilding following the departures of Messi and Neymar final 12 months and the upcoming exit of Kylian Mbappé this summer time, whereas Barcelona are struggling to stay aggressive as they mix monetary issues with the costly Camp Nou improve. Additionally they face uncertainty over their on-field future, with coach Xavi stepping down on the finish of the season.
Regardless of the problems at each golf equipment, that is nonetheless a recreation that pits Mbappe towards Robert Lewandowski and offers each a shot at a run to the ultimate at Wembley.
Why Gab & Juls are selecting PSG to beat Barcelona
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens react to PSG vs. Barcelona within the Champions League quarterfinals.
Key gamers and/or tactical battle
This all revolves round whether or not Barcelona can get their finest gamers off the remedy desk and onto the pitch. Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are each sidelined, with Pedri hopeful of returning by the tip of March and De Jong anticipated to be match by mid-April — simply because the quarterfinals are scheduled to start.
With Ferran Torres additionally pencilled in for a late-March/early-April comeback, the Barcelona medical workers might but determine the result of this tie.
How Paris Saint-Germain can win
Luis Enrique’s workforce have been anticipated to seek out it powerful towards Actual Sociedad within the spherical of 16, however they cruised to a 4-1 combination victory with Kylian Mbappe scoring 3 times for PSG over the 2 video games.
With Mbappé set to depart PSG on the finish of the season, his performances towards La Actual hinted on the France ahead being on a private mission to ship the one trophy he has but to win for the membership and Enrique merely must preserve his star participant match and targeted on that purpose.
If Mbappé is on fireplace once more on this tie, PSG undergo.
How Barcelona can win
This seems a tricky activity for Barcelona and the place their Champions League journey will finish as a result of query marks over the health of key gamers and the prospect of going through an on-form Mbappé. If the likes of Ilkay Gündogan and Lewandowski can summon all their expertise for doubtlessly their final shot at profitable one other Champions League, Barça might take PSG all the way in which on this tie.
The truth is that Barça want all the assistance they will get as a result of sadly for them, this seems essentially the most predictable tie of the spherical.
Prediction: PSG 4-1 Barcelona
On paper, it is a conflict between two heavyweight golf equipment, however Barça are usually not the Barça of previous and PSG ought to win comfortably.
PATH TO THE FINAL
-
Semifinal 1: Atlético/Dortmund vs. PSG/Barcelona
-
Semifinal 2: Arsenal/Bayern vs. Actual Madrid/Man Metropolis
-
Ultimate: Semifinal 1 winner (house workforce) vs. Semifinal 2 winner (away workforce)
OK, we additionally know the semifinal and last path for all eight groups. Who will win all of it on June 1?
The trail to the ultimate has given us a formidable quartet in a single half and 4 outsiders within the different, however in the end, the winner is prone to come from the Actual Madrid-Man Metropolis tie.
So again Metropolis to defend their crown at Wembley in June, with Atlético Madrid as soon as once more having to endure the ache of being a shedding finalist.