As the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League round of eight draws near, this article will give you a light-hearted and humorous look at each of these footballing powerhouses and the potential trend of their rivalry, along with my own slightly cryptic and imprecise predictions.
(Photo: Chelsea beat Real Madrid in the 2020/21 Champions League quarterfinals)
Alaba filled in seamlessly after Ramos' departure, the midfield triangle of Casemiro, Kroos and Modric was as solid as ever, Vinicius Junior had the highlight of his career, and Benzema scored like a storm, while Ancelotti's second return to the side allowed Real Madrid to surpass last season's performance in both offense and defense. The return of Ancelotti allowed Real Madrid to surpass last season's performance in both offense and defense, and move to the top of the La Liga standings by nine points. After the reversal of PSG, Real Madrid seemed to have an optimistic season, however, two weeks ago, in the Spanish National Derby, Real Madrid lost 0-4 to Barcelona, the depth of the wingbacks, Ancelotti's tactics and over-reliance on Benzema were ruthlessly exposed, and Real Madrid fell down from the clouds, and embarked on the journey to challenge Chelsea again.
There is no doubt about the strength of the defending Champions League army's roots. Solid defense, precise long-pass attack, threatening wingback combination (greatly reduced this season due to injuries), and gradually warming up form in front of the field will be their biggest advantage in the European competition. Chelsea, who recently suffered a transfer fiasco, came out unscathed on the pitch, with Havertz's hot form making up for Lukaku's inability to fit into the system right away, and managed to emerge from their post-Christmas break slump. With last year's quarterfinal opponents getting stronger this year, will Chelsea have a chance to knock Real Madrid out of the quarterfinals again?
In Chelsea's 3-4-2-1 formation, the wingbacks will be the key to the firepower of the positional battle, with Chilwell on the left injured, and James on the right coming back in time to have a major impact on the direction of the pairing. Similarly, this year's outstanding Benzema is also a player that Real Madrid desperately wants to return to the team, the side defense must be more stable than in the derby, and the offensive end can't just rely on Benzema's organization, or else only rely on the elimination of PSG when the king's style, it will be difficult to beat the more powerful opponents in front of us.
(Photo: Luka Modric shows the Golden Ball winner's strength again in the second leg against PSG)
Key Player: Luka Modric: His coverage of the back four, his midfield confrontations, his distribution of the ball in front of the penalty area, Modric once again showed the fans what a Ballon d'Or winner he is capable of in the second leg against PSG. Real Madrid will need him to replicate his all-around performance from that night if they want to make it to the quarterfinals.
Easy Prediction: Chelsea to advance with a close win
Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid
(The two managers, Guardiola and Simeone, met in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in the 2015/16 season, with Atletico defeating Bayern)
Manchester City, who won the Premier League title and advanced to the Champions League final last year with their striker-less formation, are still powerful this season, leading the Premier League for the time being and advancing to the Champions League as well. Combined with the popular elements of modern soccer - stable passing and high pressing - City needs to pay attention to the organizational ability of the offensive end, which has not been stable enough recently, and the finishing in front of the goal, which has not been very reliable. In addition, the tough schedule around the last eight of the Champions League is also a disadvantage that must be treated with caution.
Defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have had an up and down season, as Simeone tries to get in touch with modern soccer, but the once solid defense is gone, and the offensive end has yet to reach the level of other strong teams. However, in the last 16 of the Champions League, Atletico's situation has improved, and the two matches have allowed United to take control of the ball, but have not created too many chances for United. Atletico's trademark tenacious defense and precise counter-attacks returned, which is the most feared offense of Manchester City's passing system.
