PSG go full tilt or Atalanta's overrun continues; Time for the Rojiblancos?
A new model structure bearing circumstances of Covid-19 changes the shape of the champions league this year. A one-off fixture for every other stage all the way to the final showdown in Lisbon.
Not many gave them a chance but an impressive showing and sure understanding of Gian Piero Gasperini's system has brought them this far in the tournament. They tore Valencia to shreds to make it to the quarters with their sweet attacking football. Illicic, Papu Gomez and Luis Muriel a fine trio to this success. They face a PSG side with pangs they so have not healed from. With every trophy in France swept away but the UCL trophy is one unaccounted for. Tomas Tuchel relies on Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria and they have delivered the goodies.
Many believe this year is assuredly theirs and a blip will efface a timezone for their UCL trophy success. Tuchel has always relied on a 4-3-3 system but is likely to switch things with the suspensions of Di Maria and Verrrati. Mbappe could sit this one out with his injury despite rumors of him beating it. Pablo Sarabia and Mauro Icardi are able deputies who can help get the win for the Nike-sponsored side.
Atalanta has been touted as the fall guy but the 3-4-1-2 system is one aesthetically amazing to watch. They overload the middle of the park with midfielders and tear teams apart with their quick wingbacks. Ilicic is a out of the squad for personal reasons, bar him Atalanta can go full tilt to grab a win to make it to the semis. Gosens and Malinovskyi another pair you can keep your eyes on at the Estadio de Luz.
The slayers of the current holders face off with RB Leipzig. Atletico Madrid having progressed every time they faced a German opposition will love this encounter however three clean sheets for Julian Nagelsmann's side in his last five points out Leipzig will be a tough nut to crack. With no goalless draw in as many games, reminds us of their attacking prowess. They have lost a major carrier of that thrust in Timo Werner with his sealed move to Chelsea. Patrick Schick and Yussuf Poulsen could start up front in their 3-5-2 approach. Marcel Sabitzer is a doubt but Halstenberg could return after his injury.
Diego Simeone nonetheless has a full squad he can present on the day with Sime Vrsaljko the only uncertainty. The Rojiblancos have been modeled as one with a sturdy backline. Joao Felix, Morata, Angel Correa and Carrasco are quick upfront and can catch the Germans on the break. Without Timo breaking down this burly defense, it will be hard for RB Leipzig but they do have an outside chance of edging this tie tomorrow night.
There is a breath of fresh air for ATM as nemesis and bane, Real Madrid is out of the competition.
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