The days of judgment have arrived in the Champions League. Which top clubs will soon secure a spot in the last four? After the first leg, any confrontation can actually go either way. We asked Proximus analyst Wim De Coninck to make an assessment.
Barcelona – PSG: Van Mbappé’s revenge?
“The key here lies entirely in the hands of Kylian Mbappé. Look, in the Champions League, coach Luis Enrique sets up his team entirely based on his biggest star – Mbappé can come from the left in a free role.”
“But that was incredibly disappointing in the first leg (2-3). His body language was anything but good, as if his mind was not there. With his qualities you could actually call him the weakest man at PSG – we have that in the rarely seen in the past at the big moments. You get the feeling that he has already mentally said goodbye to Paris.”
After that match against Antwerp, many dismissed Barça as having no chance in the Champions League, but that has changed now.
Wim De Coninck
“Is he looking for a huge revenge for the return? It will be necessary anyway. Because Barcelona were able to convince me as a collective in the first leg, while you had the impression that there was a short circuit at PSG. Since Xavi announced that he will be leaving soon, They haven’t lost yet.”
“Araujo and Cubarsi were outstanding last week. And if you can still bring in Pedri… (blows) That’s strong, you know. After that match against Antwerp, many dismissed Barça as having no chance in the Champions League, but that is now the case. is no longer the case.”
Wim’s estimate: 60% chance for Barcelona.
UEFA Champions League
FC BarcelonaParis Saint-Germain
Dortmund – Atletico Madrid: Witsel at the expense of his former team?
“Had it been 2-0 to Atletico last week, I would have said: it’s over. But 2-1? That’s something different. Dortmund can play at a high pace and debilitate their opponent, but often for barely 45 minutes “After that you get the feeling that they collapsed a bit. Strangely enough, they only came through at the end. They even had chances to make it 2-2.”
Atletico has more experience in the team, although their defense is slow. Witsel symbolizes that.
Wim De Coninck
“Still, I think Atletico will continue. Dortmund has actually been struggling in the Champions League for a whole season and will also have to fight for fourth place in the Bundesliga.”
“Atletico also has more experience in the team, although their defense is slow. Witsel is a symbol of that. Although he is doing great for his age at the center back, which no one expected.”
Wim’s estimate: 55% chance for Atlético.
UEFA Champions League
Borussia Dortmund Atlético Madrid
Bayern Munich – Arsenal: Another leading role for Trossard?
“I did the first leg last week. Arsenal were really, really good then – they even forced Bayern into the counter, which rarely happens to them. They were in control of the game and could count on their post-New Year defensive stability. Only they hit a bit overconfident and it still became 2-2.”
Despite Tuchel, I still notice unity at Bayern
Wim De Coninck
“Bayern silenced the Emirates Stadium with those goals. And soon they will be supported by 70,000 Germans. Despite the dip in form that the Germans experienced this year, they were apparently still able to prepare well for the Champions League.”
“With Gnabry and Coman, two important players are returning to the team. And despite Tuchel, I still see a unity on the field. I therefore slightly prefer Bayern to advance.”
“I suspect that Leandro Trossard will start in the starting line-up this time, with Kai Havertz as 9. Although you never know with Arteta.”
Wim’s assessment: 55% chance for Bayern Munich.
UEFA Champions League
FC Bayern MunichArsenal
Manchester City – Real Madrid: Will De Bruyne shine?
“Can this match be even better than the first leg? (laughs) In principle, with Kevin De Bruyne there, it is, but it is actually virtually impossible. 3-3 – that is a result that few top matches end in.”
“Anyway, it will be exciting and close anyway. After this weekend, Manchester City is suddenly back at the top of the Premier League. You just feel: now that it is really necessary, they are back. Although the past has shown that it is not at all easy to succeed yourself as winner of the Champions League.”
Especially with opponents like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham, you are never sure that you will remain standing.
Wim De Coninck
“Still, City is the favorite for me on Wednesday because of the home advantage. Last year, too, there was no match for City in the semi-final (which won 4-0 against Real, ed.). However, they remain a bit vulnerable at the back. Especially with Against opponents like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Bellingham you are never sure that you will remain standing.”
“I am also curious about De Bruyne’s performance. He will soon face Rüdiger again – not his favorite opponent after that much-discussed final in 2021. But will he play with spite? I don’t think so – Kevin always does it from his perspective. qualities.”
Wim’s estimate: 55% chance for Manchester City.
UEFA Champions League
Manchester City Real Madrid
2024-04-16 04:50:48
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