UEFA CL 6/9/2022

The Blaugranas await the Czech boys as Inter Milan faces off against Bayern, and Liverpool can spark their season far away in Naples. 

The rest of the games would happen on Wednesday night when Club Brugge and Leverkusen square off at the Jan Breydel stadium. Ajax will lock horns with Rangers, and Marseille also starts their campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

 

Atletico Madrid gets their CL season underway at the Wanda Metropolitano. They have been disappointing since the season's commencement. Despite the attacking talent in Simeone's arsenal, he has failed to get the best out of his team. Their football has been 'negative', and the brand of football has not met expectations. 

They come up against FC Porto, who can be very tricky. Jan Oblak is unavailable owing to a thigh injury. Savic could miss this through injury, and defender Felipe also misses the tie because of last season's double yellow against Manchester City. 

Porto has struggled too. They have picked up four wins out of five in the Primera Liga. Given Atletico's defensive injuries, FC Porto can cause problems with Taremi and Galeno leading the line. Sergio Conceicao will be buoyed by his 2-0 win over the weekend coming into this tie. 

                            

The Italian giants lost the Milan derby last weekend. They stay at the San Siro to welcome the Bavarians - who have not lost at the Giuseppe Meazza in three attempts against Internazionale. Julian Nagelsmann will set up his side in a predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup. New boy Sadio Mane will lead the line; Goretzka and Muller, who came off the bench in Saturday's standoff against Union Berlin, could be in contention to make the starting lineup come tomorrow evening.

However, Simone Inzaghi cannot let Bayern off the hook. He must get it tactically right against the Germans - his 3-5-2 approach should be enough to set this one up for an
enthralling encounter.  

                               

Antonio Conte will welcome the Ligue 1 giants Marseille in a Group D fixture where Europa league winners Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting Lisbon face off. Marseille has some ex-gunners on their squad who are in contention to start when they come against Harry Kane's Spurs. Conte has not changed much of his philosophy as he has kept a 3-4-2-1 formation to match his opponents. 

Competitively, Marseille has recorded twelve defeats against English opposition before their tie against Spurs. A daunting task, however, Igor Tudor has the arsenal to hurt Conte's charges. He bolstered his squad with Bailly and Tavares. Amin Harrit, Cedric Bakambu, and Alexis Sanchez can come off the bench to bring some spark to change things. 

Liverpool travels to Naples as this is Klopp's fifth meeting against the Italian colossus Napoli. Injuries have beset Klopp's side this season. The football has not been sleek, and the defence has laboured since the start. Van Dijk and Matip look the pair likely to start with Trent and Robertson flanking them at the back. Victor Osimhen will be a torture to this defence all evening. Lozano and Kvaratskhelia will play behind him to set the attack for Luciano Spaletti's side. An away victory at Lazio over the weekend should motivate Spaletti and his boys in the fixture.

Napoli has started the season well - they have a hugely experienced man in Spaletti and pose a threat to Klopp's Liverpool. Salah has struggled despite creating the most chances in the English Premier League this season. Nunez could get the nod, and Arthur could make his debut for Liverpool at the Stadio Diego Amando Maradona. Both coaches have met once; Klopp came out the victor. 

Barcelona will be at the Spotify Camp Nou when Viktoria Plzen visit. Xavi has the squad to compete for the trophy but finds himself in the possible group of death in Group C. Last season's Europa League finalists Rangers will travel to Amsterdam to face Ajax in the group opener in an early kickoff. 

Early kickoff - 4:55 pm GMT:

Ajax vs Rangers

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Sporting Lisbon

The rest of the games - 7:00 pm GMT:

Atletico Madrid vs FC Porto

Barcelona vs FC Viktoria Plzen

Club Brugge vs Bayer Leverkusen

Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich

Napoli vs Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur vs Marseille

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022/23

 

UCL Preview; Chelsea travels to Croatia, and Celtic square off against holders Real Madrid as Erling Haaland hopes to continue his rich goal-scoring form for Man City 

Another Champions League season is upon us. The elite clubs in Europe gun for the coveted UCL trophy. There have been some great qualification games over the past few weeks. Benfica, Celtic, Rangers and Dinamo Zagreb with blistering campaigns during the qualifiers - that drive and energy will be needed when business starts tomorrow. 

On Tuesday evening, Chelsea will make their way to Croatia as they face off against Dinamo Zagreb. Though being the heaviest spenders in the just-ended transfer window, Chelsea has not hit top gear all season. They make this trip with two losses and a draw in their first six games. Dinamo Zagreb has only lost once in their last six games and has failed to keep a clean sheet in the previous ten games. That notwithstanding, Chelsea has not shown a clinical touch in the final third. 

Dinamo Zagreb had a good run in the Europa League last season. They recorded wins against Sevilla and West Ham as they reached the quarter-finals. Orsic has been the best player on the Croatian team. Mendy has not been great in the post for the blues. Hopefully, their new signing Aubameyang will provide the goal-scoring threat Chelsea needs.   

Erling Haaland will hope to continue his goal-scoring form when Manchester City visits the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. He has ten goals already in only six premier league games. Sevilla suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona over the weekend. Julen Lopetegui's side has just one point in the league. The transfer of Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos away from the club has caused Sevilla. Manchester City can test the Spanish side and could leave their record of not losing their first day-group games in their last six attempts in danger when City visits. Pep Guardiola's side dropped two points against Aston Villa. The Los Palanganas need to triple the efforts to get a win against the sky blues. 

PSG will turn their attention to the UCL when they face off against Juventus. The manager of the Italian giants, Maximilliano Allegri, has been pessimistic about the encounter. Pogba will be absent, but Di Maria could reunite with his former teammates. Allegri has given his team no chance against the trident of Messi-Mbappe-Neymar. 

The supporters of Juventus have not been pleased with his pre-game interview - the onus lies on Christophe Galtier to parade his side to claim victory tomorrow from the old ladies. Messi can also close the goal gap on Ronaldo with Ronaldo not involved in the UEFA champions league this season. 

Real Madrid will start their title defence far away in Scotland when they lock horns with Celtic. Both teams have had perfect starts to the season. Undoubted, Real Madrid goes in as favourites but has always had slow starts to their UCL campaigns. They take on a Celtic side coming off a 4-0 win over arch-rivals Rangers last weekend. 

Kyogo Furuhashi has picked up an injury which is a worry for coach Ange Postecoglou. He will be looking to make it out of Group F - the club only managed to do that in 2012/13.

Tchouameni has settled in well after Casemiro's departure to Manchester United. He will start at the base of the midfield with veterans Kroos and Modric on either side of him. Benzema and Vinicius obviously will lead the attack. Jota and Giakoumakis must be at their best when they come up against Courtois. 

RB Salzburg will play hosts to Serie A champions AC Milan. Their derby victory will propel them to a good campaign after failing to make it out of the group stages last season. Benfica will welcome Israeli side Maccabi Haifa at the Estadio da Luz, and RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund will wait for the visits of Shakhtar Donetsk and Copenhagen respectively. 

With the night lights across Europe lit together with loud voices and cheers of fans. It says only one thing 'European football is back'. Let's enjoy it. 

Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea - 4:55 pm

Dortmund vs Copenhagen - 4:55 pm

The rest of the games kick off at 7:00 pm:

SL Benfica vs Maccabi Haifa

Sevilla vs Manchester City

RB Salzburg vs AC Milan

Celtic vs Real Madrid

RB Leipzig vs Shakhtar Donetsk

PSG vs Juventus

UCL FINAL PREVIEW: 2020/21

All too soon the end has come, Chelsea and Manchester have defied all odds and one of both is waiting to obtain full rights to the coveted European trophy. 

Here, at kobysportsupdate.blogspot.com Carl(@carlagyemangbb), Derrick(@tenyo_derrick) and Charles(@Prince_Chvrles) discuss the chances for either side. 

Carl makes a return from the semi final and is blue through and through. Derrick is a certified Citizen and Charles is a Manchester United fan - very much the neutral here. 

Let's follow on as we discuss the five talking points for our preview of the UCL finals tonight. 

The UCL finals? Happy with the progress of both teams?

Carl: I must say I am elated with the progress of my club, Chelsea. Chelsea has been shaky in other competitions but were always strong in CL, even under Lampard - that famous win against Sevilla away from home. 

After a change of manager, the success of Chelsea in the CL never dwindled: wins against ATM, Porto and Madrid. This will surely make me excited to see them in the final. For City, they have had all kinds records on their way to the final, and I am happy Pep is finally in another final considering the fact he couldn’t even do it with Bayern. This will mean everything to him.

Derrick: I am very happy for City's progress since it is their first and also for Chelsea because of the young guys in the team. I liked the comeback performances Pep pulled up in the quarter and semi finals which showed they won't back down when they're down.

Charles: I think both teams deserve to be in the finals. They faced tough teams and won convincingly. Chelsea beat the Spanish league champions and runners up as well and a team that came runners up to a very resilient Sporting side. Manchester City arguably had the easier route but you can only beat what's put before you and they did.

Manchester City here for the first time, 3rd time we have a maiden club in the finals in 3 consecutive years (Spurs, PSG, now City). Do you think City can make it after failed attempts from the previous two?

Carl: For the past two decades, I think it’s mostly a first time lesson in the final and on another attempt; the ultimate trophy to take home. Chelsea suffered it, Arsenal suffered it, PSG suffered the same fate. Spurs have been a victim. City can be a victim too but they can as well make history.

Derrick: It's been on my mind but this team has been through it all for the past few years and have been prepared for this moment. Whiles the odds are against us, Chelsea did it in 2012 against Bayern when everybody said they will be eliminated so City has a big chance to win it.

Charles: Deservingly so. Just like PSG the champions league trophy is the only trophy that has eluded the Mancunian club since its rise this past decade. They have worked to get here and it's a dream come true. They will be hoping to win with the first attempt. With all the superstitions going around this Chelsea team, one could argue a 3rd time lucky strike for a maiden finalist. That's if you believe in superstitions😅.

Discussing tactics? Key Action areas for both sides.

Carl: Chelsea have beaten Man City twice in the last three games, in all competitions, but it has been argued out that during those games City never had its strongest line up. Pep learns form a defeat, and I know he has learned around this.

In their last encounter KDB, Foden, Mahrez, Gundogän, Stones, Walker (wow! What a squad) were all missing in the line up. I am sure these players will be present in the starting line up this time around since they have all been the best in their respective positions on the field. Pep will unleash the magnificent KDB, the exciting-to-watch Foden, and the threatening Mahrez. These guys will make it difficult for Tuchel and his boys tonight.

For Chelsea, they have benefited from the brilliance of Havertz-Werner-Pulisic trio in the journey so far. Not playing with a typical no.9 has been helpful for Havertz and his teammates. This makes it difficult for the CB to know whom to even mark out. Their second strength has been Ngolo Kante who mostly steals the show on a good day. Undoubtedly, the most enviable and admired player, Ngolo Kante brings on board what no Blues midfielder can bring. I am sure Pep will devise a plan for him, because Madrid lost their games due to the effective movements of this never-tiring midfielder. 

The two goal keepers with the most clean sheets in this competition will definitely prove their importance to their teams.

Derrick: Chelsea under Tuchel have won their games in the first 45 mins so they need make their impact felt as soon as possible. City are a team that can strike at anytime.

Charles: Chelsea is a solid club tactically. Most people call Tuchel's team defensive but this team creates enough chances to win games. With 3.2 big chances created per game and 21% conversion rate which is higher than Man City's 20% in this season champion's league. However, in their last 5 games in all competitions they've scored a maximum of 2 goals in each game and have lost 3/5 despite conceding twice only once in 5 games. Chelsea creates enough chances to win and they just need their goal scorers to be firing because Pep's team will be watching previous games well determined to solve their issues of chance creation against this well drilled Chelsea side. Regardless this Chelsea side has proven twice this season they can beat Pep's City (3rd time lucky here too?)

Repeat or Revenge? 3rd time for Tuchel or Pep redeems himself?

Carl: To beat a coach three consecutive times, and for that matter a world-class coach in Pep, is a difficult hurdle. Pep won’t give in for a third ‘beating’. Tuchel wants to win the trophy he failed to win just a season ago. I see it to be Tuchel driving on the motivation for being there before, so it will go to him.

Derrick: Revenge. Last season Pep lost twice against Wolves and destroyed them this season. Pep will be going for the kill with his soldiers on this evening.

Charles: This is tough!!! Who wants to lose a final huh? Only two managers have ever done the 3 peat over Pep and that's a club Thomas Tuchel would be relishing to join. However, I think if Pep doesn't overthink his tactics as per, the revenge should be his. Notwithstanding Chelsea is a tough side to beat and we should see a tactical masterclass come tomorrow.

Predictions everyone, who wins? (Tough huh?)

Carl: Really tough, A slim win for Chelsea.

Derrick: I am going to stay bias. City to win it. 

Charles: Tough is an understatement😅😅 Chelsea lead the H2H with 70 wins compared to Man City's 59. In the battle of coaches, Pep leads Tuchel 4:2. Just like the 2 previous games this season, I expect this game to be a low scoring encounter. I think Pep edges it and I am going for a 2:1 City win.

Derrick looks like the man of few words here. Charles managed to stay neutral till his Mancunian blood took effect. Carl spelling out why his team deserve their second UCL trophy. 

The finals, is here. Prepared for it? Live reactions on Twitter during the game. @Ofori_KeV

UCL SEMIFINAL: 2nd LEG(2020/21)

THE ROAD TO ISTANBUL 2020/21.

The last round of games is upon us. The two slots in the finals get to be decided today. The road to the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul will be properly marked out after these games. 

Carl Baffoe-Bonnie (@carlagyemangbb) and Kwabena Boateng (@kayboat5) join me as we breakdown the second leg of games. 

Follow them on Twitter to catch their thoughts during the games. 

Chelsea and Arsenal fans respectively. Both of them always on either side of the divide in the London derby. Read on to see if their thoughts stay so on Kobysportsupdate.blogspot.com. 

 

Is Chelsea's ability to not concede, a factor to winning this tie?

Carl: Staying tactically disciplined is the key to Chelsea’s success. The 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 is naturally a defensive formation requiring the wing backs to work extra. To me, this system is what is keeping the team winning. 

After their wins against ATM and Porto, Chelsea has sent a message to the CL giants that sometimes football is all about not conceding. 

Under Tuchel, Chelsea’s performance has been impressive considering the fact that, they could not even command a draw against the likes of Wolves and WestHam. 

Kwabena: Not to concede in a football game in itself is a big advantage. When you look at this Chelsea set up it is their best in a very long time. They barely give any opposition respect. It is something Tuchel has inducted in them. 

If you don’t concede then you have an upper hand so if Chelsea are going to win the champions league then it will be their biggest strength .

Manchester City has the advantage, do you think this is the one for Pep?

Carl: This is the time for Pep to get to the UCL finals after leaving Barcelona. I think he has done such a great job right from his at Bayern and now here at City. 

For City, they are on a record number of games without a defeat in CL season. Since the oil money investment came in, this is their first time they have an upper hand in semi final game, and they really deserve a final at least, after spending over a billion pounds to build the team. After series of domestic conquerings, they deserve an European trophy at least.

Kwabena: If Pep plays his cards well and is able to hold off Mbappe and Neymar like he did in the first leg that would be great. 

But how long can you contain them? For Mbappe he had a bad day last week so when he comes to the party this time round Pep and his players will have some questions to answer. 

That regardless, Manchester City are favorites now so let’s see what happens. 

The Finals?

Carl: Until last season, PSG couldn’t even cross the line of Quarter final. They will have to keep fighting in the coming seasons. 

Chelsea vs Man City 😊😊. (We can catch his bias)

Kwabena: Man City vs Chelsea. That’s the final.

Both pundits calling out an all English final and giving neither Paris SG or Real Madrid any slithering chance of making it through. This will be Pep Guardiola's first final since 2011 and Carl thinks he is on course to giving City a seat at the European table. 

See you in the final on the 29 May in Turkey. 

All Games 19:00 GMT

ROAD TO ISTANBUL '21: UCL SEMI FINAL (28/04)

Renewed Hostilities as the Oil derby flares up!

The Arabian owned clubs face off in what is a money-gested clash. The quality both teams posses is mouthwatering and it will all come down to who gets it tactically right. 

Kobysportsupdate.blogspot.com previews this evening's game. Follow on: 

Pep Guardiola finally makes it to the semifinals with Manchester City. It has been long coming, and I am sure Pep can feel, this is the one for him. He is allowed that but Paris SG stand in his way. Last year's finalist may be staking a claim to the title this year after they overcame Bayern Munich, the holders. 

Kylian Mbappe got a knock in the last game but has been declared fit for the tie, he and Neymar Jr can be a thorn in the flesh of the City defense. Pochettino has not added much but has just resorted to a more pragmatic approach. The counterattack is that deadly and Pep would not want those two running at his defenders.

The Cityzens have had an impressive defensive record. The arrival of Ruben Dias brought some stability in defense. Gundogän seems to have had his season sorted. His attacking numbers have dwindled. Phil Foden has been the cavalier of Pep's attack. Two goals against Dortmund eased City's way into the semis. 

Kevin De Bruyne has not slowed down too. Pep has set up his team where he wants his fullbacks to normally drop into the midfield to provide more options in the box for his attack. Cancelo and Kyle Walker have been the choice effects for this formula. 

A traditional 4-3-3 is Pep's formation, most of it this season has been without a striker. The false nine system with most of his midfielders overloading the attacking third of opponents. 

Pochettino has met Pep many times than he has any other manager in his career. The glittering feature would be eliminating his adversary en route to the 2019 final. 

Renewed hostilities as the Espanyol/Barcelona rivalry of Catalonia could resurface but in different circumstances. The Oil derby as many put it would be an enthralling one. 

Poch has used the 4-4-2 formation so the wide midfielders can come back on defense. Di Maria only joins the attack when the ball is further up the pitch. Some injured players are back in the fray and could get a sniff at this. 

PSG was here last season and can be hoping to be only the sixth club to make it to the final after being there a year prior. 

A good game on our hands, let's sit back and enjoy. 

ROAD TO ISTANBUL 21: UCL SEMIFINAL(27/04)

Tuchel’s chance; Chelsea eyes CL trophy since 2012 or Real Madrid walks through unscathed? 

A preview of the game tonight in the UEFA champions league semifinals. Read on for updates from kobysportupdate.blogspot.com as we fill you in.

Chelsea stealthily made its way to the semis and this feat comes from the very good work Thomas Tuchel has put in. Notwithstanding, we will not undermine Lampard's run in the group stages without a defeat. There is a good presence in the camp of Chelsea, and it is all to their advantage, if they use it to proper effect in their clash against Real Madrid. 

Their Spanish opponents have had two very drab stalemates domestically but Tuchel will be very much aware that his opposition number does not need good results to show up in this competition. That regardless, they have faced Chelsea three times and have come out without a win on all three occasions in all competitions. 

Tactically, Zidane deployed a low block and hit Liverpool on the counter at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano, and it worked perfectly. Vinicius terrorized Liverpool’s back line. Carvajal makes it back in time to play at right back but eyebrows will be raised about his level of fitness for this game. Nacho or Ferde Valverde can have another run at left back in Mendy’s absence. This is the fourteenth semifinal for Real Madrid and Chelsea’s eighth.

Chelsea is not that expansive with the ball but is very tight at the back. They dwell on their wing play to hurt teams. Reece James and Ben Chilwell look the sure starters because of the defensive ability they both possess. The defense has managed to keep 18 clean sheets in the last 25 games. Just as many as Manchester City has kept in Tuchel's time frame. 

Real Madrid has the personnel to unlock that back line, Benzema and Vinicius can do that to perfect effect. Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Modric are the combative force in the middle for the Galacticos. Thomas Tuchel must romp up his men to stifle the progress of this brilliant trio. The midfield Tuchel selects must be one to cut Real Madrid's passing lanes and to provide quick passes to release Chelsea's front line. A 3-4-2-1 looks like the go-to formation. Kante and Jorginho may sit in front of the defense to provide cover with Kovacic being unavailable. 

The task for Tuchel would be who starts up front. Kai or Giroud, lots would prefer the latter, but he seems to have fallen out of favor with Tuchel. He has preferred the former to lead the line with Timo and Mount playing of him. Timo broke his goal scoring drought at the weekend against West Ham and that should be a confidence booster going into tonight’s encounter. 

Chelsea is gradually getting there and could be repeating the happenings of their 2012 campaign. 

UCL QUARTER FINAL Preview:2nd Leg(14-04)

Dortmund host Pep's Manchester City and do the troubles at Anfield continue?

PSG and Chelsea both qualified on away goals despite their 1-0 losses last night to Bayern Munich and FC Porto respectively. 

Two more spots to be clinched in the semis, Who goes through? Follow on for updates on tonight's happenings;

Borussia Dortmund vs Manchester City

A very controversial game at the Etihad. Dortmund should be disappointed to have returned to Germany with just one away goal instead of two. Jude Bellingham had a very good goal chopped off for reasons beyond VAR and the sights of the referee. They get another go at it tonight when they host the Citizens at the Westfalenstadion. Mahmoud Dahoud and Jude Bellingham were immense in that midfield for the yellow and black in the previous encounter. 

Dortmund fought harder at the weekend to win at Stuttgart while Manchester City fell at the hands of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United. Dortmund’s only previous home meeting with Manchester City came in 1-0 victory in 2012. 

Pep Guardiola realizes his team was not up for it in the first leg and at the weekend as well. A case of rotation came to play but the quality in the squad should have dealt with their opponents at the weekend. It did not happen, and focus should be turned to tonight’s game. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden were the bright spots in the first leg but Pep would require a more collective effort to get through to the semis. 

Erling Braut Haaland remains a threat and strategies must be drawn to reduce his efficiency in the final third to set up that semi final showdown with Paris SG. 

Liverpool vs Real Madrid

The Reds have it all to do at Anfield when their Spanish opponents come to Merseyside. Jurgen Klopp may have over thought the situation in Madrid. He got it tactically wrong in the middle of the park and had no cover for Trent anytime he bumped forward. 

Naby Keita started in midfield last time out to provide more energy in the middle of the park for Liverpool but the quality in Zidane's midfield trio of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro was more dominant. 

Despite not having his first choice centre back pairing, Zidane was spot on with his team selection and must be looking to keep it tighter at the back to make it to the semis with Eder Militao and Nacho in the heart of defense. 

Anfield has not been very good to Liverpool in 2021 and Los Blancos will have no shivers down their spine knowing very well the problems there on Merseyside. 

Liverpool clinched their first victory in seven games at Anfield in 2021 at the weekend via a thunderbolt from the right foot of Trent. 

They would have hope in their hearts that qualification is a possibility. If they manage to prevent Real Madrid from scoring, they would surely believe they can make it. 

The winner of this encounter faces Chelsea in the semis, Can Liverpool make it an all English affair?

See you in the semis. 

All Games at 19:00 GMT

UCL QUARTER FINAL Preview: 13-04-2021

A little late for Porto?; Mbappe In that goal king chase.

The second legs kick off tonight, kobysportupdate gives you a preview of happenings tonight in the UCL. Follow on;

Paris SG vs Bayern Munich

The French outfit got the better of the German side in last week’s encounter, Bayern fought harder and made it level but Kylian Mbappe’s brace and Neymar’s attacking verve helped Paris SG beat Bayern by the odd number in a five-goal thriller. Bayern will still be without their star striker, Robert Lewandowski but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put in the shift and his services can be relied upon again to stake their claim in the semis and Serge Gnabry is still out with an illness. 

Mauricio Pochettino was pragmatic in the first leg and will by no means vary his tactics in this one. The three away goals make them comfortable to seal qualification if they can prevent Bayern from scoring. Marquinhos limped off with an adductor problem but Danilo could move into defense to partner Kimpembe like he did in the latter stages in the first leg.

Joshua Kimmich was magnificent but his team could not convert most of the chances created. If Bayern can make the 31 shots at attempt at goal from the first leg count tonight, they could break the jinx of not making it past an opponent after losing a first leg tie since 2014-15 against FC Porto. 

Chelsea vs FC Porto

Chelsea will be looking to progress for the ninth time in the UEFA Champions league KO stages when winning the tie in the first leg. Chelsea is unbeaten in the competition this year and will be looking to stamp their authority from the onset. Mason Mount's 180 degrees in step turn got the English side the early advantage and Ben Chilwell later rounded Marchesin to double the advantage.

Thomas Tuchel has opted for a false nine approach in the last 3 games with Kai leading the line and will most likely go for the same in tonight’s encounter.  

Porto is without a victory in the last seven games against English sides after their famous 5-0 thrashing handed out to Leicester in 2016. Sergio Oliveira and Mehdi Taremi could make it back into the starting line up after serving out their suspension. 15 goals this term for Sergio Oliveira who joined from Rio Ave last summer. Porto lacked his precision and directness last week and would be hoping to count on that against Chelsea. 

Chelsea has not lost a game in Spain this term and the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan will be a more welcoming home ground. 

All games 19:00 GMT. 

UCL Quarter Final: 7/04/21

Conceição - nothing is impossible and revenge for  PSG this time?

There was no dilly-dallying in yesterday's encounters. Real Madrid got off to a perfect start to stun Liverpool and Phil Foden on the 90th minute mark gave City a 2-1 advantage in what was a controversial game at the city of Manchester Stadium. 

Welcome again to Day 2 of the first leg in the last 8. This page will preview tonight's games:

Bayern vs Paris SG

Only the second meeting between the two sides in the knockout stages after last season's final. Bayern urged that but revenge cannot hold on any later as PSG make the trip to the Alianz arena tonight. 

Bayern and PSG sit at number 1 and 2 respectively with the best goal averages in the competition since 2016/17. 

Bayern still remain unbeaten thus far. Manuel Neuer made some important saves the last time the two met and will call on him when Mbappe, Neymar and Di Maria get into the groove. Marco Verrati misses out but the defense of PSG has been impressive. A loss at the weekend to Lille in the top of the table clash leaves a lot to be desired. 

Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandoski will also be absent for the Bavarians. Choupo-Moting will lead the line for the hosts. Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman can trouble PSG's backline with their speed. 

With away goals in play, a sturdy defense is what Hansi Flick must keep to nullify the attack of PSG.

Porto vs Chelsea

It's in awkward bewilderment when underdogs steal the show and certainly the way Porto has gone about its acts. They knocked Juventus out and will be hoping to replicate the same against Chelsea. 

The blip at the weekend to West Brom will only remain that when Thomas Tuchel romps his team for this encounter. He has preached humility after the events of the weekend and in that he will know how to set up against Porto. 

The 3-5-2 formation is apparent and Giroud and Werner will lead the line for the Blues. 

Sergio Conceição admits the task is herculean but indicates nothing is impossible (such confidence if you knock Ronaldo out) despite having Sergio Oliviera and Mehdi Taremi suspended. Jesus Corona, Luis Diaz and Moussa Marega will be the obvious threat up front. 

Chelsea will be more alert with the weekend's actions and that makes an assured headpiece for this tie.

Let's enjoy the games tonight.

All Games 19:00 GMT.

UCL Quarter Final: 6/04/21

No Ramos - Salah can now breathe and can Haaland extend his goal tally?

The Quarter finals starts tonight with a good preview of the games happening tonight;

Manchester City vs Dortmund

Pep Guardiola will be looking to get things right when he faces Borussia Dortmund in Manchester. His team has been knocked out of the CL at this stage in the last three seasons. No need for extra motivation and this tie against Dortmund looks very much the better step to make it into the semis. 

Despite the abysmal form of the German side, the Champions League has been a great level of surprise. They are only here at the expense of Sevilla and that blessing of Haaland's goal scoring talent has kept them moving. 

Pep has done it all domestically but only the CL trophy at City evades him. A great run of games for  Manchester City gives Pep the upper hand over Edin Tirzic's Dortmund. 

Haaland has been in the highlights and the absence of Sancho makes the task harder but Jude Bellingham and Mahmoud Dahoud have been imperious in the middle of park. Pep has Gundogän and De Bruyne who can pull all the necessary strings in there. Pep has tactically deployed fullbacks mostly in the middle so midfielders can push further forward and a possible false nine system to give the needed reward. 

A great game on our hands, does Haaland add more to his goal tally or does the collective efforts of Manchester City urge this?

Real Madrid vs Liverpool

Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano hosts the two sides in the first leg. Both teams have gradually got their season running with some very good results. 

The CL this season has presented a great front to Liverpool with only one loss this season at home to Atalanta. They brushed off RB Leipzig to make it here. The midfield looks more balanced with Fabinho now back as the holding midfielder. Kabak and Phillips have had a great partnership in defense as well. 

Zidane says his team will want to focus on this particular one which is going to be played over 180 minutes. This will have to be done without captain, Sergio Ramos and Benzema will need to carry the team on his shoulders in this tie.

Targeting the rookie centre backs of Liverpool will be the main plan and if done to perfection, it gives the needed advantage heading into the second leg. Experience will count for Real Madrid and the Reds will be wary of this. 

Diogo Jota is the surprise element for Klopp and his positioning and goal scoring is that bonus Liverpool can dwell on. 

More room for Salah to breathe in Ramos's absence. 

All Games 19:00 GMT