Matchday Review - April 16th, 2024
Champions League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
Borussia Dortmund 4 (5) vs. (4) 2 Atletico Madrid
Brandt scored in the 34th minute to give Dortmund the lead. Maarten doubled the lead for the Germans in the 39th minute. Hummels scored an own goal in the 49th minute to give Atletico a lifeline and Correa equalised for Atletico in the 64th minute. At that point Atletico were heading to the semi finals on aggregate but Dortmund had other plans. Fullkrug restored Dortmund’s lead in the 71st minute and Sabitzer scored the fourth and winner on aggregate in the 74th minute. As Dortmund fight for a top four place in the Bundesliga they make the semis of the Champions League. Atletico will be crushed and it is another trophy less season for them.
Barcelona 1 (4) vs. (6) 4 Paris Saint Germain
Raphinha scored in the 12th minute to give Barcelona the lead and a good start. Barcelona shot themselves on the foot when Araujo was sent off in the 29th due to reckless defending. Dembele returned to the Camp Nou and equalised for PSG in the 40th minute. Vitinha then gave PSG the lead in the 54th minute. Mbappe converted a penalty in the 61st minute and completed the win with a goal in the 89th minute. Luis Enrique returned to Barcelona and knocked them out of the Champions League when many thought the Spaniards would go through. Xavi looks like he will leave Barcelona having won no trophies this season. PSG are still on course for a treble as they book a semi-final with Dortmund.
Matchday Preview - April 17th, 2024
Champions League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
Bayern Munich (2) vs. (2) Arsenal
The first quarter-final tonight comes to us from the Allianz Arena in Munich as Bayern welcome Arsenal. Bayern won at the weekend but saw their 11 year Bundesliga winning run come to an end as Leverkusen were crowned champions. Arsenal lost to Villa at the weekend which came as a hammer blow to their title aspirations. The game should be an even one and Arsenal will be favourites given that Bayern have several injuries to contend with as well. Bayern have experience on their side though. It should be a very interesting game.
Man City (3) vs. (3) Real Madrid
Manchester City went top of the Premier League table at the weekend as they welcome Real Madrid who sit at the top of La Liga. Both teams are looking to win multiple trophies this year. City can still do a domestic double if they get knocked out but Real Madrid will have to seek comfort in winning La Liga if they lose tonight. I can’t predict who will go through since neither teams is better than the other but hopefully it has several goals and is an entertaining watch.