Only a week after the drama of the first leg matches, the Champions League returned to settle the scores of the quarter-finals stage.
Manchester City took a slender 2-1 lead to Borussia Dortmund. Would Erling Haaland make an impression and knock out the favourites? Real Madrid held a deserving 3-1 lead against Liverpool in one of the heavyweight contests of the round. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain played out a very entertaining first leg. The Parisians won away in Germany by three goals to two to give them firm advantage of the tie. Could the champions stage a stunning comeback? Meanwhile, Chelsea held a relatively comfortable two-goal lead in their tie with Porto. Both games were played in Seville but the away goals rule was still in operation.
Here are five takeaways from the Champions League quarter-finals second-leg.
Champions League Quarter-Finals: What Has Happened So Far?
Paris Saint-Germain Edged Past Bayern Munich in Their Champions League Quarter-Finals
The semi-finals will include the Parisians once again after safely negotiating their way past a spirited Bayern Munich. Their progress through to the final four was aided by their maverick Neymar. The Brazilian was on top form to vanquish the German champions.
He is a frustrating character when you know he has the ability to be in the elite catagory of footballers – when he applies himself. Nonetheless, this Paris is as united and tactically astute as ever. Therefore PSG have every chance to go on to lift the trophy. On the other hand, Bayern will be left ruing what might have been – sorely losing goal power in Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry. But they played their part in the best tie of the round.
Manchester City Take a Step Forward to Glory
Another final four contender is Manchester City. They dispatched Borussia Dortmund comfortably once they got into their stride. Their players are playing to their potential and the likes of Phil Foden will feel even more the significance of what possibly awaits. You feel Pep Guardiola’s side will not have a better opportunity now to go on and win the trophy they crave.
A Star is Born in the Champions League Quarter-Finals
Although Borussia Dortmund lost out to Manchester City, it was a tie where a star was truly born. At just 17-years of age, Jude Bellingham has come of age and is showing what a star player he is. His wonderfully taken goal of accuracy and composure spoke volumes of a player who belies his years. His vision, tenacity, work rate and sheer ability to read the game has firmly put him on the map. However, Dortmund not only have to keep an eye on Haaland but now the England international too, who surely has earned his place in this summer’s European Championship.
Chelsea Back at the Head of the Table
For the first time since 2014, The Blues are in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They are back at the top dining table and will take their seat along with Real Madrid for a place in next month’s final. Meanwhile Thomas Tuchel will be aiming for another final berth too. But the German will face stiff competition from Real Madrid, who have practically owned this tournament in the past decade. They are strolling along effortlessly with class and experience.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Love Story Continues
The Whites overcame Liverpool in a straightforward and professional manner. Thanks to this, they are one step closer to further dominating the continental landscape. It would be a remarkable fifth title in seven years. The hallmarks are there once again. After an average first half of the season, the thoroughbred horse has once again gained momentum. Their progression has led them to being the leaders in La Liga and only three games away from another Champions League success. You just cannot write this side off.
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