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Champions League giants set for quarter-final draw

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are among the teams set to discover their Champions League quarter-final fates on Friday.

By Ben Spratt
Real Madrid aim for third Champions League in a row
Real Madrid aim for third Champions League in a row

London, March 16: Eight teams are set to discover their Champions League quarter-final opponents on Friday after a dramatic round of 16 concluded this week.

Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea were among the clubs to fall by the wayside in the last stage, but plenty of big-hitters remain.

Reigning champions Real Madrid are in the mix, as are Lionel Messi's Barcelona and runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Ahead of the draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, we summarise their respective campaigns so far and last-eight chances...

REAL MADRID

Some way off the pace in LaLiga, Madrid's chances of a third consecutive European title looked to be in serious doubt when they finished second to Tottenham in the group stage and then trailed PSG at home in the last 16.

This is a team that knows how to win in this competition, though, and Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who knows how to score. The former Manchester United star has scored in nine consecutive Champions League games and three goals across the tie sent PSG packing.

LIVERPOOL

It is a little while now since Liverpool were regulars at the business end of this competition, but few sides will fancy their chances if tasked with a trip to Anfield in the quarter-finals.

The Reds have scored 28 times in this European campaign - more than any other side - and breezed past Porto last time out, seemingly unaffected by the departure of Philippe Coutinho.

JUVENTUS

Much like fellow finalists Madrid, there were one or two reasonable doubts about Juventus' chances of repeating their run to the decider last year.

But as well as turning their domestic fortunes around to lead Serie A, the Bianconeri were as dogged and determined as ever as the Champions League returned.

Their chances of progression were apparently threatened by a 2-2 home draw with Tottenham, but Giorgio Chiellini and co delivered a defensive masterclass in a 2-1 win at Wembley to head through.

MANCHESTER CITY

Pep Guardiola's City remain on course for a treble, well clear at the top of the Premier League and winners in the EFL Cup as they look to finally prove their class on the European stage.

City edged out Napoli after a couple of thrilling group-stage meetings and then cruised past Basel, but now the hard work really begins. Europe's form side this term, the lack of a domestic title race could certainly be a help.

ROMA

Having sold a number of key men - including Mohamed Salah - last year, this campaign is already a success for Roma. That a last-eight place was achieved after coming through a tough group, including Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, is a bonus.

But Roma were not altogether convincing against Shakhtar Donetsk in the next round and they may need to play well above themselves to progress any further.

SEVILLA

The big shock of the last 16 saw Sevilla punish a plodding Manchester United as Wissam Ben Yedder scored twice at Old Trafford.

Vincenzo Montella can call on a talented group, but it is a safe bet to assume none of their potential opponents will employ Jose Mourinho's limiting tactics. Sevilla will be up against it in this round - unless they draw Roma.

BAYERN MUNICH

Bayern are another side who looked set for an underwhelming campaign before recovering to emerge as a force once more.

Jupp Heynckes' men were not tested by Besiktas, but they have plenty of top-level experience and could wrap up the Bundesliga title this weekend. Although not necessarily among the favourites, write the German side off at your peril.

BARCELONA

It was all about Messi on Wednesday as Barcelona's star man took apart Chelsea to earn a place in the draw. Neymar has not been missed, with Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele scarcely required alongside Barca's dazzling number 10.

Let us not forget that Juventus halted a seemingly unstoppable Blaugrana outfit at this stage last season, though, keeping two clean sheets. Ernesto Valverde will look to Messi to ensure there is no repeat.

Live on Sony TEN 2 and TEN 2HD

Friday, March 16 at 4.30 PM IST

Story first published: Friday, March 16, 2018, 14:09 [IST]
Other articles published on Mar 16, 2018
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