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
