Champions League Predictions

The quarterfinals of Champions League is my favorite event at any time across any sport. It's usually… usually the best 8 soccer teams in Europe if not the entire world, and in a sport with thousands and thousands of professional teams, 8 is a really small number. These matches are usually more exciting than the semi-finals and final, and I think so for 2 reasons. First, they are still relatively fresh in March as players aren't thinking about the end of the season and all the congested fixtures near the end. Second, the atmosphere isn't as nervous as a final or a semi-final, as every kick and tackle can have big implications (Roy Keane's yellow in '99). This year I'm more excited than most seasons, even though the great Manchester United is currently playing in that other European tournament. It has 8 teams that either have 2 things going for them: A great story, or tons of talent. I wanted to share my thoughts and analysis on what I think is going to happen, since I'm not sure of my wi-fi situation starting on Thursday night. 

Leicester City vs Atletico Madrid: This is actually one of the toughest matchups for Leicester, because they are pretty much a mirror image of Atletico, just a crappier version. Both teams play much better on the counter attack than they do when they try to control the game, and they rely on their front man to get them the goals that they need to thrive (Jamie Vardy in the case of Leicester, Antoine Griezmann in the case of Atleti). I think that Simeone is the key to this matchup, as he could lose it for Atletico. Instead of using their superior talent (which they have), I think he should let Leicester try and play, and then break them down in their own half. Atletico is one of the best teams in the world when they run at you, and I think they'll get to do a few of those opportunities in this tie vs Leicester.

Nate's Pick: Atletico

Logan's Pick: Atletico

Lucas's Pick: Atletico

Aiden's Pick: Atletico

Mother's Pick: Leicester City

BVB vs Monaco: I keep wavering on this matchup, because I don't know who is going to be healthy when the games kick off. If Dortmund can get Reus back and in full form, there's no reason to think that he and PE Aubameyang can't get it done against Monaco. I love Kylian Mbappe, and I think that Falcao has returned to the form that he had while he played at Atletico. Tiemoue Bakayoko is becoming one of the brightest talents in Europe. But that cup final against PSG makes me think that Monaco is vulnerable against aggressive pressing teams. Dortmund used to be one of Europe's best at that. As a fan, I hope they can return to that high press, and push through to the semi-finals one more time. I'm betting with my heart.

Nate's Pick: BVB

Logan's Pick: BVB

Lucas's Pick: BVB

Aiden's Pick: BVB

Mother's Pick: BVB

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: One of the juiciest QF matchups I've ever seen. Bayern is on top form in the league (minus the hiccup vs Hoffenheim) and outside of the two matches against Atletico, have been humming along. They made Arsenal look like children and for the 3rd consecutive time, beat them in a match 5-1. Real Madrid has led the Spanish League all season long, which at this time is probably the most difficult league to do that in across Europe. Barcelona, Atletico and even Sevilla have played extremely well at times this year, and should push them until the end. (Sevilla beating Madrid was the highlight of my season so far, it was like a bank robbery and clean getaway). I think Zidane will outthink Ancelotti, play his midfield deep to eliminate and decisive Bayern attacks, but this matchup is very close to call.

Nate's Pick: Real Madrid

Logan's Pick: Real Madrid

Lucas's Pick: Bayern Munich

Aiden's Pick: Real Madrid

Mother's Pick: Bayern Munich

Juventus vs Barcelona: Lots of stories here. Gianluigi Buffon is missing one trophy in his outstanding cabinet. Messi's fallen off? (No, but the press love a story, he's just different now). Neymar is now the best player in the world, and this will be his stage (maybe, but I still like 3 better than him). I bet against Barcelona in the last round, and the most famous comeback maybe in the history of Champions League (down 5-3 with less than 10 minutes to go) kept me from getting 7/8 in the first round. Do I have the nerve to pick against them again now? I do not.

Nate's Pick: Barcelona

Logan's Pick: Barcelona

Lucas's Pick: Barcelona

Aiden's Pick: Barcelona

Mother's Pick: Barcelona