Can Bayern Munich remain unstoppable; Gold or nothing for City's Pep.
Atalanta enjoyed the ecstacy of a glorious 90 minutes with a goal from Pasalic 28 minutes into their very first UCL quarterfinal until they were robbed off it in the dying embers as PSG clawed back to grab a 2-1 win.
Atletico Madrid's UCL trophy hunt waits a little longer with not much to salvage from as a brave RB Leipzig side booked a semi-final showdown against PSG.
Preview...
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona is a tie many predicted to happen later in the competition than sooner. A good first half display against Napoli in the first half helped the Catalans book this showdown against the Bavarians. Bayern has been ruthless and dominant in this season's campaign. Hansi Flick does no harm to his reputation coming into this tie. He filled in as temporary gaffer but his efforts sure did exceed expectations hence his role now as manager. His excellent reading of the game is also an added advantage. Lewandowski's 13 goals does not make finding the net a demur but an undervalued aspect of his game is his ability to feed his teammates to also get on the score sheet. A tight understanding in midfield makes for an impressive showing as their efforts are well corrborated by the wingers. Alphonso Davies can help counter the threat of Lionel Messi on the left flank. Though Herculean, his speed and reading of the game will be a great asset in this match up.
Gnabry and Perisic were impactful moving forward against Chelsea nevertheless Coman's recovery will force him back into the fold. Kimmich could fill in again for Pavard thereby leaving Goretzka and Thiago as the double pivot in midfield. Overcoming Bayern is not catch-22, Messi and Suarez may play upfront as Dembele and Griezmann could help make the 4-4-2 approach one to help get the win for Quique Setien.
The blue and white soldiers in Guardiola's army play for a semi final spot when they come up against Lyon on Saturday evening. He is looking to prove doubters wrong as his ride with City hasn't been a success in the UCL. He goes into the tie with a comfortable win in both legs against Zidane's Real Madrid. Kevin DeBruyne is the lynchpin in the middle of the park for the sky blues. He sets the tone for the likes of Jesus, Sterling and Mahrez to latch on to the final balls. Lyon however being wary of City's threat, must keep it compact at the back to prevent a drubbing. Houssem Aouar, Toko Ekambi and captain Depay must be sharper upfront to guarantee qualification for the French side. Moussa Dembele could get the nod in this tie as he started on the bench against Juventus. It will count for nothing, if Guardiola cannot whelm his opposition at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and may well be considered a failure if he cannot win this competition with City as he said jokingly in one of his interviews.
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