The draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which was held in the Swiss city of Nyon under the supervision of the European Football Association, resulted in heavy-caliber confrontations, most notably the renewed clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, in a confrontation that has become remarkably repeated in recent seasons.
On the other hand, Barcelona breathed a sigh of relief after avoiding facing defending champion Paris Saint-Germain, but instead faced Newcastle United in a test that seemed less complicated on paper.
Real Madrid and Manchester City… a renewed European habit
Real Madrid coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, commented sarcastically before the draw on the “hot balls,” referring to the repeated accusations of manipulation, but the reality confirms that the royal team is accustomed to facing the continent’s top players in the knockout rounds.
Since the 2019-2020 season, the two teams have faced each other 6 times in the tournament, during which they played 11 matches, most of which were in the playoffs. In total, the two giants met 15 times in the Champions League, each of them winning 5 matches, compared to 5 draws, which reflects an almost complete balance in direct confrontations.
The task becomes more difficult this season as Real Madrid plays the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, which gives the English champions a relative advantage in front of their fans.
Barcelona is moving away from the Paris “complex”.
On the other hand, Barcelona avoided a new clash with Paris Saint-Germain, which constituted a complex for the Catalan team in recent years, despite the historic “Remontada” anniversary of 2017.
Barcelona will face Newcastle United, which is having a strong season domestically and in Europe, but the Spanish team has a historical advantage in direct confrontations, having achieved 4 wins versus one loss in five previous matches between the two sides.
Barcelona will also benefit from playing the second leg at its Camp Nou stadium, by virtue of its direct qualification to this round.
Complete results of the final round draw
- Atletico Madrid x Tottenham Hotspur
- Newcastle United x Barcelona
- Bodo/Glimt x Sporting Lisbon
- Bayer Leverkusen x Arsenal
- Galatasaray x Liverpool
- Paris Saint-Germain x Chelsea
- Real Madrid x Manchester City
- Atalanta x Bayern Munich
The first leg matches are scheduled to be held on March 10 and 11, with the return matches being played on the 17 and 18 of the same month.
The post The draw smiles at Barcelona…and the “Royal Club” collides with an English nightmare – here is the draw for the Champions League matches appeared first on 961today Lebanon Today.
