Athletistic/Football. Supporters were impatiently awaiting the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the Europa League. There were some very interesting and intense fights in the 1/8 finals. Remember the battle between Arsenal and Porto, Atletico’s magnificent victory over Inter, Bayer’s incredible comeback in the meeting with Qarabag. One thing was clear: with such a selection of famous clubs in the quarter-finals, it should be even more interesting.
And then the draw took place. Two giants will face each other in the quarter-finals: Real Madrid and Manchester City. It’s a shame that only one team made it to the semi-finals. Previously, the “citizens” had passable adversaries. However, Real will have to work hard. It is very difficult to imagine that Manchester City can defend their title.
Since 2020, this is the fourth time that these opponents have met in the playoffs. City came out on top twice, including in last year’s semi-final when they destroyed Madrid 4-0. But this time there probably won’t be such superiority. Real Madrid are very good this season: they knocked Girona out of first place and are aiming for two trophies. And they are quite capable of conquering them.
Manchester City were unhappy with the draw. Sports director Txiki Begiristain criticized what is happening. The club seemed to have started to panic in advance.
“I’m fed up with these balls in the Champions League draw. Always the same teams, as much as possible? It’s the same draw as last year. Only Liverpool were replaced by Arsenal. Champions League is Real Madrid’s tournament. They can play bad in the league, but historically they do well in the Champions League,” Begiristain said.
The winner of the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid will face Arsenal or Bayern in the semi-final. The grid for “citizens” is really difficult. At the same time, there are couples who seem to have more luck.
On the other side of the grid are Atlético Madrid – Borussia and PSG – Barcelona. The opponents are as equal as possible and everyone is probably convinced that they can reach the final.
The Europa League is no less interesting either. Two clubs from the same country will face each other in the quarter-finals: Milan and Roma. So, from January to May, they will hold four meetings. Milan have already won one – 3:1. In the semi-finals, the winner of the pair will face Bayer Leverkusen or West Ham.
In the other half of the table, Liverpool will face Atalanta. Jurgen Klopp’s players are competing for all the trophies, and the Europa League is definitely not secondary for them. The atmosphere will certainly be maximum. The winner of this pair will go to Marseille or Benfica.
Many football fans are waiting for the Europa League final between Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool. It would be really beautiful. Xabi Alonso against his future club? It’s not yet clear. But such an ending would definitely be something to watch out for.
Andrey Andreev, Sport.Ru
Source: Sport
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
