If nothing else, the spectacle was satisfying. Expecting something similar tonight and tomorrow night, the factor of “qualifying” for the semifinals also enters the equation (in parallel), which may not allow for such open games.
But the opposite can also happen.
With a quick glance, one can quickly say that the favorites for the top four are Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern and the title holder Manchester City.
But how can one write off the “brilliant” Real Madrid or the passion that Paris Saint-Germain are naturally expected to have in Kylian Mbappe’s final year with them? It is true that the French striker was present in the first game at the Parc des Princes.
He must therefore improve his arrangements and give the Parisians title hopes (it is typical that in 2021 he had achieved a hat trick against Barcelona in Barcelona).
Can Barcelona qualify for the semi-finals with such a young squad? Lamin Yamal, at 16 years (and 272 days), became the youngest player in history to compete in the quarter-finals of the tournament. He scored, he performed brilliantly, like 17-year-old Pau Coubarsi and 20-year-old Fermin Lopez.
Chances for… Civilians
The qualification for the “blaugrana” may even mean a civil war (with Atlético Madrid) in the semi-finals and by extension the presence of a Spanish team in the final after 2022.
Antoine Griezmann, at 33, holds the key to unlocking the door to the semi-finals against Dortmund.
The chances of an English civil war (Manchester City – Arsenal) are smaller than for a Spanish one. Statistically and based on the result of the first leg, City has the advantage over the “queen”.
However, Pep Guardiola does not get carried away and is not complacent with the language of numbers. He expects more from Arling-Brott Holland, while Bayern (with many absences), who failed in the Bundesliga, have put all their weight on the Champions League. Arsenal at the moment does not inspire confidence.
In the semi-finals (30/4 and 7/5) the pairs will be: Dortmund/Atletico M. – Barcelona/PSG and Bayern/Arsenal – Manchester S./Real M.
#Champions #League #Strong #rematches #magnetize