Matchday Review - April 17th, 2024
Champions League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
Bayern Munich 1 (3) vs. (2) 0 Arsenal
Arsenal turned up the Allianz Arena looking to play some counter attacking football and park the bus but it did not pay dividends. Bayern won the game thanks to a goal in the 63rd minute from Joshua Kimmich. It was a thumping header and Raya could not save it. Bayern were able to see out the game thanks to Arsenal’s naivety and inexperience and they progress to the semis.
Arsenal need to understand that mentalities are not manufactured. Arsenal need to understand that they need to win something before they start talking about London being any other colour than blue. Win a Champions League, win a Europa League, win a Conference League. Win something. They couldn't beat a Bayern team that is 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen. Congratulations to Thomas Tuchel, he and Kane continue football heritage.
Man City 1 (4) vs. (4) 1 Real Madrid (Penalties 3-4)
Rodrigo scored in the 12th minute to give Madrid the lead but City equalised in the 76th minute via Kevin De Bruyne. The game went all the way to penalties despite City dominating possession and chances. Real Madrid are the kings of the Champions League for a reason and they have the mentality. Modric missed Madrid’s first penalty but Silva and Kovacic missed theirs for City as Rudiger scored the winning penalty for the Spaniards.
City are out and will now focus on the Premier League and this weekends FA Cup semi-final. Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-final and it will be an intense game for sure.
Matchday Preview - April 18th, 2024
Europa League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
AS Roma (1) vs. (0) AC Milan
Marseille (1) vs. (2) Benfica
West Ham (0) vs. (2) Bayer Leverkusen
Atalanta (3) vs. (0) Liverpool
AS Roma have a goal advantage as they head into this return leg but Milan are still in it. Roma will need the fans to create a great atmosphere but under De Rossi they have been playing well and grinding out results. I would still say Milan has more quality and should reach the semis.
Marseille against Benfica is finely poised with just the goal between them. I am not sure which team will win this fixture but on paper I would back Benfica.
Bayer Leverkusen were crowned German champions at the weekend and are looking to reach the semis and try to win the Europa League. A two goal advantage against West Ham should be enough to see them through.
Atalanta put three past Liverpool and realistically that should be enough to seem them reach the semis unless Liverpool pull off a huge miracle.
Europa Conference League - Quarter-finals (2nd Legs)
Fiorentina (0) vs. (0) Viktoria Plzen
Lille (1) vs. (2) Aston Villa
PAOK (0) vs. (1) Club Brugge
Fenerbahce (2) vs. (3) Olympiacos
I have a feeling Fiorentina, Villa, Club Brugge and Fenerbahce will go through to the semi-finals. Villa would be favourites overall given Unai Emery’s experience in winning European competitions.