Manchester City v Real Madrid
Manchester City have finally made the final four after lots of cash was thrown around to build a team capable getting here. They beat another side with such ambitions in PSG and have been given the task of getting past Real Madrid to reach the final. Real Madrid predictably overcame Wolfsburg after an initial scare. As for the tie well I think the order of the legs will be the deciding factor. Real Madrid being at home in the second leg sways this one for me in favor of Los Blancos. Yes their defense isn't exactly excellent but they do possess a free-scoring attack. For city the key will be not conceding an away goal in the first leg. A 0-0 or scrapping a victory before the visit to Madrid will be the aim. Real Madrid to get through.
Atlético Madrid v Bayern Munich
As soon as Atlético had just about seen off Barcelona, I wanted them to face Bayern. The best defense in the major European leagues (sorry Dynamo Kyiv) will be a stern test for Bayern. The Bavarians were made to work for their semi-final place by an impressive Benfica in the last 8 and having also scrapped through against Juventus, they haven't been too convincing thus far. Atlético themselves did also scrap through by fingertips against PSV before overcoming Barcelona. It will be a fascinating tie of contrasting styles and one that I'm going to back Atlético in.
Europa League
A night of drama on Thursday saw eight reduced to four and what a line up we have. Liverpool, Sevilla, Shakhtar and Villarreal.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Sevilla
Sevilla are gunning for a third successive Europa league title and they face Ukrainian opposition for the first time since last seasons' finale. For Shakhtar this run has been a shock considering they haven't been their usual dominant selves domestically. They haven't been able to play at home for two years and their form at their adopted home of Lviv has been the base of this run. They've been beaten twice at home this season in Europe by PSG and Real Madrid so no shame there. However the pedigree that Sevilla have will make a difference here.
Villarreal v Liverpool
Liverpool shocked tournament favorites Borussia Dortmund in the last round with a stunning comeback in the second leg to book their semi-final place while Villarreal in the end were comfortable against Sparta Praha. This is a tie that will be fascinating to see. Liverpool haven't set the world alight with their current standing of 8th domestically but Villarreal on the other hand have been superb finding themselves 4th and almost certain of a champions league qualifying berth.
Liverpool at home in the second leg might make a difference if they get a favorable result in the first leg but I can see Villarreal getting through this. Villarreal away goals.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Sevilla
Sevilla are gunning for a third successive Europa league title and they face Ukrainian opposition for the first time since last seasons' finale. For Shakhtar this run has been a shock considering they haven't been their usual dominant selves domestically. They haven't been able to play at home for two years and their form at their adopted home of Lviv has been the base of this run. They've been beaten twice at home this season in Europe by PSG and Real Madrid so no shame there. However the pedigree that Sevilla have will make a difference here.
Villarreal v Liverpool
Liverpool shocked tournament favorites Borussia Dortmund in the last round with a stunning comeback in the second leg to book their semi-final place while Villarreal in the end were comfortable against Sparta Praha. This is a tie that will be fascinating to see. Liverpool haven't set the world alight with their current standing of 8th domestically but Villarreal on the other hand have been superb finding themselves 4th and almost certain of a champions league qualifying berth.
Liverpool at home in the second leg might make a difference if they get a favorable result in the first leg but I can see Villarreal getting through this. Villarreal away goals.
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