The experiments are over. Or at least most of them, because the Champions League is regaining its meaning and format after yesterday’s end of an exciting playoff round, but without surprises. Because Manchester City’s defeat against Real Madrid was nothing more than the chronicle of a death foretold, with Pep Guardiola’s team lacking the stamp that made them champions two seasons ago and in an existential crisis that needs urgent resolution.
Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and PSV, the favourites in each of the knockout stages (except for the Dutch), joined the rest of the 16 teams that will be in the draw for the last 16 tomorrow in Nyon (Switzerland/12.00 h). Not only the last 16, but the path to the final, which will be played on May 31 in Munich (Germany), will be completely defined. In other words, in addition to knowing their most immediate match-up, all the clubs will know who they will face in the next rounds (whoever manages to get through), although not in what order the matches will be played.
The rival to avoid is undoubtedly FC Barcelona. That is what Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain think, the two possible rivals of Hansi Flick’s team. The Blaugrana team is eager for revenge, since Luis Enrique’s team were their executioners last season, a defeat that practically cost Xavi Hernández his continuity. However, Barça’s current situation is radically different and, like all the teams that qualified directly for the last 16, they will have the advantage of playing the return leg at home. Montjuic could make the difference.
Although for morbid curiosity, the possible Madrid derby on the horizon. The emissaries of Real and Atlético will undoubtedly experience tension whatever happens in Nyon. Especially the red-and-whites, as there is no easy rival since if they avoid Vinicus and company, who have not made life easy for them this season, they will face Bayern. Clearly the German team is the less complicated rival, but not at all easy. Real Madrid thinks the same, and if they avoid Atlético they will also take the German route, as they will be faced with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, who they have already placed on numerous occasions as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement when Florentino Pérez decides to change his plan.
The new Champions League format can now be graded and, although many of the detractors have changed their minds, the reality is that when looking at the 16 finalists there are practically no surprises. Specifically, there are three unexpected teams at this stage of the competition. Club Brugge, who got their ticket on Tuesday by beating Atalanta, and Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch teams that achieved the feat. We could also consider Unai Emery’s Lille and Aston Villa, who managed to sneak into the last eight.
There were more great matches in the group stage. That is indisputable. Real Madrid, Bayern and Manchester City, among the biggest, suffered, but the reality is that only Pep Guardiola’s team has been left out, and because of meeting the current champion. It could be said that, once tomorrow’s draw is over, the moment of truth has arrived in Europe.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
