There has been wide-scale speculation about the unfair match-ups in the UCL quarter-final draw. A few hours ago, UEFA released which teams would face off in the quarter-final stage of the Champions League after clearing the round of 16. Suffice to say, there is a chasm of difference between the quality of teams on each side of the draw. This quarter-final draw has drawn almost as much ire as Florentino Perez and the other higher-ups of European football advocating in favor of the European Super League a while back. On one side, Chelsea face Real Madrid while Manchester City face Bayern Munich. On the other, Inter Milan face SL Benfica while AC Milan face Napoli.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
It is surprising that the heavyweights of the UCL will clash so early only to face (with the sole exception of Napoli) a weaker team from the other side of the draw. Real Madrid are more likely to win against Chelsea but the unexpected can always be pulled off. Chelsea were expected to lose in 2021 against Real Madrid as well but this time, the West London side looks way too weak.
Manchester City vs Bayern Munich
Manchester City vs Bayern looks highly contentious, with both sides looking strong. Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo was loaned out to Bayern by City manager Pep Guardiola and it’s looking like it might have been a mistake. With Sadio Mane to content with, fans hope Guardiola has a plan to break Bayern’s play. Fans and pundits are arguing whether Guardiola should play four in the back to counter Bayern’s players in the wing such as Sadio Mane, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane or play their standard 3 at the back against Bayern’s midfield which consists of the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Muller, Leon Goretzka and Ryan Gravenberch. A wider defense or a tight one is Guardiola’s dilenma.
At the same time, Bayern will also look to defend better. City arguably have the best attack in the world, with strong competition from Real Madrid’s, revolving solely on the shoulders of the Norwegian prodigy Erling Haaland. They will probably use every ounce of their playmaking arsenal within Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and more to make sure Haaland has the passes he needs inside the penalty box to utilize his unique finishing ability. While the attack and defense are important, this Bayern and City match will hinge on who has better control in midfield and down the wings.
Inter vs Benfica, AC Milan vs Napoli
Meanwhile in the other match-ups, Inter looks likely to prevail against Benfica although it can go either way with a bit of luck. Napoli however, are favorites to win against AC Milan (although fans would love to see a Milan derby in the semifinal). Napoli have been brilliant in the Italian league, the Serie A, so much so that a number of heavyweight clubs are interested in their striker Victor Osmihen.
Even so, while football fans love underdogs, they’ll need to be extra-special to beat anyone from the other side of the draw. While Napoli have a chance against Chelsea, it’s improbable that they can best Real Madrid, City or Bayern in a Champions League semi-final. But then again, no one expected Chelsea to win in 2021 either. Despite how unfair the UCL quarter-final draw is, if Napoli win this, their bragging rights till the end of next season are secure.
🇪🇸 Real Madrid vs Chelsea 🏴
🇵🇹 Benfica vs Inter 🇮🇹
🏴 Man City vs Bayern 🇩🇪
🇮🇹 Milan vs Napoli 🇮🇹*FC Internazionale Milano's match has been reversed in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/m1gMqFs1fV
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 17, 2023
