The Champions League quarter-finals is always an exciting occasion with guaranteed entertaining contests to boot. The teams can almost smell the final. However, there are two legs that stand in their way and a place in the final four.
Manchester City took on Borussia Dortmund with an ideal interview opportunity for Erling Haaland to impress his potential future employers. Real Madrid locked horns with Liverpool in a nostalgic heavyweight contest. Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain were paired together in a flashback to their contest in the final last season. There was to be no Robert Lewandowski for the champions, but would that derail them from regaining their crown? Finally, Chelsea were pitted against Porto with Thomas Tuchel aiming for a second straight Champions League final berth.
Here are five takeaways from the mouthwatering Champions League quarter-finals first-leg matches.
Champions League Quarter-Finals: What Has Happened so Far?
Real Madrid Roar Past Liverpool
In the battle of the historic heavyweights, Real Madrid convincingly beat Liverpool 3-1. The Whites dominated The Reds in the first half with goals from Vinicius Júnior and Marco Asensio. Liverpool did not even have a shot during those 45 minutes as they were dominated by the hosts. Although the visitors got an away goal through Mohammed Salah, Real went on to take a commanding lead to Anfield courtesy of another Vinicius goal.
The home side certainly coped the best without their main defensive unit. As a result, it is advantage Madrid going into next week’s deciding leg in Liverpool. However, Liverpool has history with turning games around at Anfield, so this tie is not over.
Manchester City Sleepwalk to Victory
City edged past Borussia Dortmund 2-1 but made hard work of their night. Pep Guardiola’s side had the sensation of sleepwalking to victory as they were in total control. This was until Dortmund’s Marco Reus jolted the tie into life with their away goal.
However, man of the match Phil Foden saved his City side with a late winner, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a crucial lead to take to Germany.
Haaland Off Target but Makes His Mark
His Dortmund side may have lost on the night, but the Norwegian made a telling contribution with a lovely assist for Dortmund’s goal. The striker also spurned a glorious one-on-one chance as his shot off-balance was saved by Ederson, but the way he sped past Rúben Dias and barged the Premier League’s signing of the season during that move meant he made his presence felt. The City board of directors would have taken note first hand of what their potential future signing has to offer.
PSG Outwit Bayern in Champions League Quarter-Finals Tie of the Round
The standout match of the quarter-finals was undoubtedly the match in Munich. In difficult snowy conditions, both teams served up a thrilling contest full of entertainment, skill and adept finishing.
It was Kylian Mbappé and Neymar who enjoyed their trip to the champions playground the most. The duo were at the heart of everything with great finishes from the Frenchman and able assists from the Brazilian. Although Bayern dominated the shots count with 21 to the French sides six, the Parisiens out thought the champions. Their reward was to secure three priceless away goals with their 3-2 victory. They picked their moments when to attack and struck when needed to. Credit needs to be given to Mauricio Pochettino for another European tactical masterclass after the slaying of Barcelona. It is they who will now be the favourites to progress to the semi-final stage.
Chelsea Stroll Past Porto
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have one foot in the semi-finals after comfortably overcoming Porto 2-0 in Seville. The Blues put to bed a poor home defeat against West Bromwich Albion to secure a huge advantage going into the second leg.
Chelsea now have those two away goals in their favour, and it is a victory which makes them almost smell a final four showdown now.
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