There’s no doubt that the recent Round of 16 games in the Champions League provided us with some of the most entertaining football in recent history. Not only did Barcelona do the unthinkable and overturn their tie against French side Paris Saint-Germain, but Bayern Munich also ended up putting 10 goals past a hapless Arsenal side.
German teams are certainly doing well for themselves. Borussia Dortmund finished top of their group, which included Real Madrid, whilst Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich stand a real chance of reaching the final – something they were unable to do under Pep Guardiola.
Drawn against Real Madrid, Bayern possess one of the strongest XI’s remaining in the Champions League and being second-favourites to win the competition, the German club could go out and make a statement. The two teams have won three of the previous four Champions League titles, whilst it was Ancelotti who knocked Bayern out in 2014, when Madrid went on to win it.
With seven goals in eight Champions League appearances this season – Real Madrid will need to keep a sharp eye on Robert Lewandowski; who was of course a runner-up with Borussia Dortmund in 2013 – the Poland international will be eager to add a UCL medal to his ever-growing collection.
For Borussia Dortmund, they’ve perhaps been struggling in the Bundesliga by their standards. Thomas Tuchel is working well with what he has, but with a youthful squad, they’ve been struggling for consistency in the league, barely picking up three points at home against Ingolstadt on Friday night.
Their form in the Champions League however is a level above. Drawn against Ligue 1 side AS Monaco; this could well be the tie of the round. Both teams possess potentially world class youth players, whilst the French side are scoring goals for fun; with 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe scoring 17 goals in all competitions for Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco.
Champions League Quarter-Finals
AS Monaco vs Borussia Dortmund
Juventus vs Barcelona
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid vs Leicester City
