QUARTERFINALS AT THE TURN

SportsBeat!

Written by Aaron Cantin

Usually, when we get to this point in the tournament, defensive sides begin to prevail, leading to slow-paced, strategic matches. Not this time around. Fourteen goals across the first legs with three ties still in the balance. The quarter-finals have not disappointed, setting us up for what should be some thrilling games next week. As always, let’s begin with a recap of the first legs before previewing the second.

Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Manchester City 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund

In many ways, this was just as positive an outcome for Dortmund as it was for the winners. City jumped out to an early lead, and at that point, many believed the tie was a wrap. Dortmund had their chances, though, and despite City being in complete control in the second half, it was the German side who found the tying goal in the 85th minute. A beautiful flick from Erling Haaland into Marco Reus’ path into the box and the bottom corner of the net. City then flexed their muscles and found another gear in the final minutes, ultimately tapping the ball home in the final minute of regulation. Not all is lost for Dortmund, however. All the Germans need is an old-fashioned 1-0 win at home to pull off the unthinkable.

Second Leg Preview: Borussia Dortmund have no problems scoring goals. That lone goal in the first leg was the first goal City has allowed in over 750 minutes. Also, it has proven to be nearly impossible to keep Haaland off the score sheet two games in a row. City proved they are the better team scoring the second goal when they needed it most in the first leg. The Cityzens must keep an attacking mindset, or they will only have themselves to blame.

Pick: Borussia Dortmund 1 - 1 Manchester City - Manchester advance to semi-finals

Real Madrid 3 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool is lucky to still be alive. Real Madrid showed up ready for business Tuesday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first half. Liverpool looked lost, not producing any real scoring chances and struggling to maintain possession. A lucky bounce brought the Reds right back in the leg when Mohammed Salah tucked home a bouncing ball to make it 2-1. At that point, with over thirty minutes still to play, Liverpool had hope. But that hope was extinguished when Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Madrid their third, messing up a header back to the keeper. Liverpool needs a 2-0 win at home to advance.

Second Leg Preview: As mentioned, Liverpool only need to beat Madrid 2-0. Scoring two goals may not be the hard part (although when you look at the Reds form in 2021, it may be challenging), but keeping the ball out of their own net may prove difficult. Liverpool will need a much stronger performance to give Madrid anything to worry about. I think they will. Liverpool will come out strong with absolutely nothing to lose and find the back of the net at least once in the first half. This one goes down the wire.

Pick: Liverpool 2 - 1 Real Madrid - Real Madrid advance to semi-finals

Porto 0 - 2 Chelsea

Neutral spectators were hoping for more magic from Porto after eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus last round. That did not come on Wednesday. Porto produced decent chances but lacked the finishing top-level clubs have. Chelsea showed their talent with a beautiful turn and strike from Mason Mount in the first half. A mistake late in the second half giving the Blues their crucial second road goal will most likely prove too costly for the Portuguese side.

Second Leg Preview - We have seen crazier things happen in the Champions League. Theoretically, an early Porto goal would put all the pressure on the home side. Chelsea has had trouble scoring at times this year, and there is a reason why they are currently outside of a Champions League spot in the domestic table. Both sides do play over the weekend, so staying healthy will be top priority until next week. Ultimately, I see Porto putting up a good fight, but Chelsea is proving to be too much.

Pick: Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto - Chelsea advance to semi-finals

Bayern Munich 2 - 3 PSG

What a game. The Champions League finals matchup just one year ago did not disappoint. The only crime about this matchup is that it happened too soon. Munich's blizzard set the stage for a cold, wintery affair that will not be forgotten any time soon. Especially if you’re french. Although Bayern dominated in possession, Paris always looked the more dangerous side attacking with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe leading the way. Those two connected beautifully just two minutes in when Neymar sucked the defenders in before pushing it into Mbappe's run and smashing it home. For his standards, Neuer certainly should have made the save. PSG doubled their lead shortly after when they caught the Bayern defence napping. Bayern showed why they are champions, though, most notably through their mindset and relentlessly put pressure on Paris until they tied up

The game. At that point, the game was leaning in Bayern's favour. Mbappe was not finished, though and with his only real chance of the second half made defender Jerome Boateng look silly, faking a shot before sliding it between his legs.

Second Leg Preview- The key to the second leg is the status of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international missed the first leg and is expected to miss the second leg as well. The striker says he hopes to be available next week, and if there is any chance, he can play, he will. If Bayern had Lewandowski on the field in the first leg, I believe they would not only have tied but won the game. Even if Bayern does not have their striker, they can still pull off the comeback. This will show the mindset of PSG, who have a reputation for choking. Reminder, they have never won the Champions League despite being one of the favourites for the past decade. I think this is the year it all comes together. If you can beat Bayern in Munich, you can beat anyone.

Pick: PSG 2 - 2 Bayern Munich - PSG advance to semi-finals