The quarter finals of this season's UCL will get on the way next week....and the intrigue this year is, whilst Barcelona, Real, Bayern & Juventus are odds on favourites on paper, PSG, Atletico, Porto & Monaco are all capable of causing upsets on their day.
The much hyped, money rich EPL has not managed a SINGLE team in either UCL or Europa League quarter finals this year.
It is quiet clear that the mega TV money which continues to make the EPL the richest football league in the world, is also contributing to the mediocrity of the EPL teams in European competitions. Whilst many of the world's best talents are attracted to the money lure & glamour of the EPL, the clubs are also paying inflated prices for over hyped but otherwise average players who clearly are not tactically as proficient as many cheaper but more astute players playing for mainland European clubs. Porto, Monaco, Atletico Madrid & even to a lesser extent PSG & Juventus all demonstrate my point.
Now back to the draw:
PSG's disposal of Mourinho & his over hyped Chelsea side in the round of 16th was a master class in tactical football & a lesson for Mourinho's usual "park the bus" tactics. PSG also beat Barcelona at home in Paris in the Group stage.
Barcelona on the other hand have finally got Messi fully fit, Suarez settled into their system & Iniesta back to his near best whilst their at times suspect defence has also been repaired. PSG can only get the better of Barca if their players are fully fit & they manage to perform 2 more perfect performances as they did vs Chelsea. Barcelona are however currently the clear favourites to win the UCL this year.
If there's a coach and a team that can get the better of Real Madrid, it is their city rivals Atletico Madrid. Atletico were very unlucky not to win last year's final 1-0 in normal time & they will be motivated to take advantage of a misfiring Real side.
Normally, Guardiola & Bayern Munchen would be clear favourites vs the entertaining & skillful Porto. However, Bayern are currently in an injury crisis & will travel to Porto next week without key players such as Robben, Schweinsteiger, Alaba, Benatia & (possibly) Ribery & Badstuber, plus the long term injured Martinez.
Bayern are simply not the free flowing goal machine their fans have got used to without the services of Robben & Ribery on the flanks (They have now scored 1 goals in their last 3 matches with those two injured). But there should be no excuses for Guardiola & Bayern with their talented squad.
Juventus have finally returned to their rightful position amongst the European elite this season & a gallant Monaco side who disposed of Arsenal are probably the least likely team amongst the 8 to make it to the semi finals.
I got 7 out of 8 quarter finals right with PSG's elimination of Chelsea the only exception. The semi finals will be contested by Barcelona, Bayern, Atletico Madrid & Juventus.
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