The Champions League quarter-finals were concluded over Tuesday and Wednesday and there were some standout performances across those ties.
As a result, TIBS News have provided their winners and losers from those encounters.
WINNERS
5. Phil Foden/Jude Bellingham
Both players made an impact for their respected sides during the quarter-final games between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund. Foden, 20, scored a goal in each leg to help City reach the semi-final, while Bellingham impressed over the two legs for the German side. Also, at the tender age of 17, he became the youngest English goalscorer in the Champions League.
Both players showcased their talent on the world stage proving they have what it takes to play at this level despite their age. This is a very encouraging sign for England ahead of the delayed Euros this summer, which both players will be hoping to be a part of.
4. Real Madrid
Real have made it to the semi-final for the first time since winning the competition in 2017-18. A very good performance over two legs ensured Los Blanos continued their winning form against Liverpool. Madrid took a 3-1 lead into the second leg at Anfield and looked dangerous on the break but failed to add to their lead as that tie ended 0-0. Madrid have now qualified for the semi-final stage of the European Cup/Champions League for the 30th time, more than another side to play in the competition.
3. Chelsea
Chelsea have reached the semi-final stage for the first time in seven years thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win over Porto. Despite losing 1-0 on Tuesday, Chelsea controlled the game over two legs and rarely looked like conceding. Goals from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell in the first leg proved to be decisive as Chelsea continued a good run of form under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea have now reached the semi-final for the eighth time in their history which is more than any other English side to have played in the competition.
2. Manchester City
City have finally reached a semi-final of the Champions League under Pep Guardiola after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on Wednesday and winning 4-2 on aggregate. City had a 2-1 lead going into the second leg in Germany. After a slow start and going 1-0 down it looked like City would be haulted in the quarter-finals once again. However, a Riyad Mahrez penalty and a strike from Phil Foden changed the narrative. City’s quest to win the Quadruple remains intact.
1. Paris Saint-Germain
A replay of last season’s final played out in the quarter-final stages this time around but it would be PSG who came out victorious. Despite losing 1-0 on Tuesday and drawing 3-3 on aggregate, the French side progressed on away goals to reach the semi-finals in successive seasons. PSG had plenty of chances to wrap the game up but were denied by the bar and Manuel Neuer. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the first leg to put PSG in a comfortable position. Can they go one better this season?
LOSERS
5. Home Advantage
Another season the Champions League has taken place without any fans and playing at home in the quarter-final seems to be trickier than before. In the four home games between the eight clubs there were only two wins, one draw and five defeats in those matches. This could show how vital home support is for the clubs as they enter the business end of the competition. This season the quarter-finals went back to the old format of being two legs after they were just one-leg affairs last term. Will there be a similar pattern of results at home in the semi-finals?
4. Porto
Despite winning the second leg 1-0 against Chelsea, Porto failed to create too many chances over the two ties. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Portuguese side needed a quick start to try and get back into the game but at times were pedestrian as they lacked any cutting edge in the final third. The only time Porto created anything of quality was in the 93rd minute as Medhi Taremi’s acrobatic overhead kick found the top corner but the goal was too little too late. Porto haven’t reached the semi-final stages now since they won the competition back in 2004.
3. Liverpool
Liverpool failed to create another memorable comeback in Europe as they drew 0-0 on Wednesday night and lost 3-1 on aggregate to Real Madrid. Liverpool got the fast start they wanted as they took control of the game and were denied by a few good saves from Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois. Liverpool carried on creating chances but failed to take any of them as their European dream came to and end. Liverpool’s woes against Real continued as they are now winless in their last five games against them. The Reds will now focus on the battle to finish in the top four in the Premier League where they sit fifth, three points above fourth-placed West Ham.
2. Borussia Dortmund
A disappointing end to Dortmund’s European campaign as they crashed out of the competition 4-2 on aggregate to Manchester City. Dortmund started well and took the game to City and were rewarded in the 15th minute when Bellingham struck to put the German side in control. Dortmund failed to add to their tally and City began to dominate the game though.
Dortmund have now failed to reach the semi-finals stage of the Champions League since 2012-13 when they lost to Bayern Munich in the final. They will now face the tough task of qualifying for next season’s competition through the Bundesliga where they are currently fifth – seven points behind fourth. If they fail to qualify this could lead to many of their stars leaving the club.
1. Bayern Munich
The current holders are out of the competition after failing to add to their 1-0 win against PSG on Tuesday night. Bayern needed two goals without reply to progress through and took the lead against the run of play when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored from close range in the 40th minute. Bayern lacked a cutting edge and the absence of Robert Lewandowski was a huge blow as they threw everything at PSG but could not find a second goal.
It was a disappointing end to their reign as holders as Bayern became the third-successive champion in a row to fail to reach the semi-final the following season.
