ClapWhile we may all be focusing our attention on the domestic leagues right now, the start of August will see us shift our focus back onto the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Both competitions will be pushing forward with plans to finish off the knockout stages and crown a champion, with the UCL heading to Lisbon and the UEL basing itself in Germany for what is going to feel a whole lot like a straight knockout tournament – as we’ve become used to seeing on the international stage.
Today, the quarter-final draw and semi-final draw for both competitions was made, and we’re going to be focusing on the Champions League for the purposes of this piece.
Due to the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the world, there are 12 teams currently left in the running to win the European Cup for the 2019/20 campaign – and now, they all know what the road looks like for them if they want to get the job done.
UEFA Champions League – Quarter-Final Draw
Real Madrid/Manchester City vs. Lyon/Juventus
It was always going to be difficult for Real and City to get through the other and push on through to the final, but now, it’s even tougher. The popular opinion is that Real vs Juve would be the expected quarter-final clash, but in order for that to happen, they both have to overturn deficits from their respective first legs.
RB Leipzig vs. Atletico Madrid
This should be a really fun clash between two severely underrated clubs, but we’re leaning towards Atletico getting themselves over the finish line. They’re more experienced, they’ll be at a higher point in terms of match fitness, and they’re generally a better team.
Napoli/Barcelona vs. Chelsea/Bayern Munich
Napoli have to score if they want to have a chance of beating Barca and progressing, but either way, the clear favourites to make it into the final four are Bayern Munich. They’ve got a comfortable lead over Chelsea from the first leg and they’re easily one of the most exciting sides in the competition.
Atalanta vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Both teams will be well aware of the stakes involved here, but we just feel like Atalanta have the edge. They’re on great form and seem to be firing on all cylinders, whereas PSG haven’t had a game in quite some time. Either way, though, it’s going to be one hell of a tie.
UEFA Champions League – Semi-Final Draw
Real/City/Lyon/Juve vs. Napoli/Barca/Chelsea/Bayern
There are so many great teams involved in this side of the draw and it’s edging towards impossible to predict who is going to come out as the finalist. As an official prediction, though, we’re going to say Bayern Munich will reach the final by knocking off Real Madrid in the final four.
Leipzig/Atletico vs. Atalanta/PSG
If we’re basing it on who is more likely to be at the top of their game, we really do believe Atalanta could be the ones to beat. The idea that these Italian underdogs could make it all the way through to the final really is remarkable, and it’s actually quite plausible.
