Champions League - Quarter Final Preview

So, here we are again. We're at that stage of the season where the tables really "don't lie". Relegations and promotions TBC. And of course, the Champions League, Europe's top prize, really starts to heat up. As Europe's top teams start to tire, Real Madrid just slip it into third gear. Ready to hit the heights, time their sprints, and clinch the Champions League with a harrowing inevitability. However, let's not let that stop us believing we can have a new winner this year. The Champions League quarter finals begin!

 

Arsenal vs Madrid
Perhaps the most glamorous looking tie of the round. And, you know what, I get it. These team haven’t played each other in the Champions League since 2006, when Thierry Henry was tearing through the Madrid defence in a yellow Arsenal kit. Every year we see Real vs City (including this year!) so it’s nice to see two of Europe’s top teams finally face off.

Arsenal arrive into this leg in so-so form. Bukayo Saka coming back is a massive boost for the Gunners and will add directness and pace to a lacking attack. The absence of Gabriel will be felt, although I’d definitely back Arteta to make adjustments to cover for the absence of a defender than an attacker. Arsenal may be better suited to letting Madrid be the aggressor in this tie. Not to say Arsenal should batten down the hatches and sit deep for 180 minutes, but keeping it tight and having Saka, Martinelli and Odegaard to hit Real in transitions would serve them well. Plus, Real won’t have come across a corner routine as deadly as the Gunners’ in La Liga this season.

As for Los Blancos, their form has also been so-so after a 2-1 home loss to Valencia at the weekend. As we know, we’re always made to look stupid each year as we say how average Real are and write them off, only for them to canter to another Champions League. Experienced, battle hardened and grizzly, this Madrid team has the small added bonus of fielding Kylian Mbappe in their attack this year. After a mediocre start, Mbappe has been unstoppable since December and with such firepower in Madrid’s attack, it’s hard to see how Arsenal can keep them out. What they lack in cohesion and fluidity, moments can change matches, and boy can that Madrid team produce moments.

Prediction: Madrid to qualify


Aston Villa vs PSG
This is the narratives tie of the round. In Unai Emery, Villa have a European cup specialist. Someone who you could back to have a plan to upstage this impressive PSG side, especially as we know how flaky the Parisiens can be in Europe. Who here remembers Barcelona 6-1 PSG and the comeback of all comebacks? The Remontada. Oh wait, Emery will as he was the PSG manager overseeing that embarrassing defeat. Oh and yeah, Luis Enrique the current PSG manager will, as he was the Barcelona manager revelling in PSG’s misery that night. This is football.

As for the here and now, this PSG team are a very different proposition to that one. Less superstars and egos and more cohesion and vibrance. Ditching the stars and the big names for younger players, whilst being coached by a top coach, is a recipe for success. Who knew? The footballing world sat up and took notice of this very dangerous PSG team as they destroyed this Liverpool team over two legs. And yes, I know, they only went through on a penalty shootout, but it was as one-sided as it could have been. PSG will be flying high and full of confidence ahead of this clash.

The Villains, too, are in good form having won their last seven games. Although, a caveat against that is their wins include two against Club Brugge, Preston and Cardiff City. If ever there was a cheerleader for the January transfer window, Villa are that, having revamped their forward options with the additions of Malen, Rashford and Asensio all bringing goals to their forward line. Emery is a master in getting teams to punch above their weight and he’ll be hoping he can do just that against his former side.

Prediction: PSG to qualify.


Barcelona vs Dortmund
Looking at the respective tables should leave you with no other opinion than predicting a comfortable Barcelona win here. Dortmund are a Jekyll and Hyde team this season, and in the Bundesliga they’ve certainly been more Mr Hyde. In Europe though, they’ve been steady without being electric. Having sacked Nuri Sahib, Dortmund opted for the safe pair of hands that Niko Kovac provides. Whilst not being at their explosive best, Kovac steered them through a tricky tie against Lille and with the Signal Iduna Park, anything is possible. Let’s not also forget that Dortmund were Champions League finalists only last season.

As for Barcelona, are they finally back to their best? Having had a hiatus from the top table of European football, Barcelona have their mojo back. Since his appointment in the summer, Hansi Flick has made Los Cules the most exciting team in Europe and arguably the best team in Europe too. Two spankings of Real Madrid, 4-0 and 5-2 this season have underlined this, as of their goal scoring exploits with a gloriously balanced front three of Raphinha, Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. Barca are going for the treble this season and won’t fear anyone.

Prediction: Barca to qualify

Bayern vs Inter
The hipsters tie of the quarter finals. How to spot a football hipster? Ask him which tie he’s most intrigued by and he’ll reply with this one. It’s certainly the most difficult one for me to call. Both teams are good, can be brilliant, and yet have flaws. Let’s try and predict it then.

Bayern first and they’ve quietly been impressive in the Bundesliga this season. And Europe too, albeit a heavy defeat to Barcelona back in the autumn. And, yes, I know that’s the game we all watched and instantly pointed at the screen and collectively asked how Vincent Kompany got the Bayern job. Back to their Bundesliga results and performances and they’ve been good, without being spectacular. They’ve improved on last season where we can’t forget they came 3rd, with none other than Thomas Tuchel at the helm. Summer signing Michael Olise has brought freshness to their attack and he’s formed a fantastic partnership with Harry Kane. Bayern’s hopes rely on their partnership, especially without the dynamism the injured Alphonso Davies won’t be able to provide. The jury on Kompany is still out and I’ve no doubt we’ll deliver a verdict based on his performances in Europe.

As for Inter Milan, they’re probably one of the most underrated teams in Europe. They’re still somewhat of an unknown outside of Italy. Did you know that Hakan Çalhanoğlu was now one of Europe’s best holding midfielders? Yes that’s right he’s the freekick and long-shot merchant who used to play attacking midfield. Forgotten Premier League man Henrikh Mkhitaryan has played a key role in Inter’s midfield too. A team of misfits, and yet they’re probably the most well-coached team in Europe. Inter only conceded 1 goal in the 8 Champions League “league” phase this season.
Only a reportedly lacking grasp of the English language and loyalty to Inter has kept Inzaghi away from the top Premier League clubs. They’ll be a tough nut to crack for any team this season.

Prediction: Inter to narrowly qualify