Champions League

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said the Champions League final should be a bigger event than the Super Bowl, and the league needs to evolve.

The time difference is a problem for the U. S. and Asia. So how can we work on this for international rights which have huge potential? "But of course, digital innovation is one of the things we are looking for. "The Super Bowl, and the U. S. generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment.

THE QUARTER-FINALS of the Champions League take place this week and Kylian Mbappe will be missing as his Paris Saint-Germain were eliminated in the previous ...

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said the Champions League final should be a bigger event than the Super Bowl, and the league needs to evolve.

The time difference is a problem for the U. S. and Asia. So how can we work on this for international rights which have huge potential? "But of course, digital innovation is one of the things we are looking for. "The Super Bowl, and the U. S. generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment.

The 2021/22 UEFA Champions League has now reached the quarter-final stages and we can bring you the details of the fixtures, schedule, and results for those ...

The Champions League quarter finals begin this week, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea still flying the flag for the Premier League in what ...

Once he’s there he just needs to resist the temptation to play a brand new formation or Ederson in centre midfield and they have a real chance to end their drought. Having lost out in the final last time around, City will be desperate to go one better with this attempt. Jurgen Klopp’s side stand on the brink of history and remain in the hunt for an astonishing clean sweep of major trophies this term. Robert Lewandowski means they will always have a real chance and they will expect to beat Villarreal with relative ease over the two legs. It feels strange to put Bayern as third in this list, such has been their prolific and relentless form this season, but that is perhaps more a nod to Liverpool and Man City than a slight on the German champions. With the first legs of the quarter finals now just hours away, Mirror Football have rolled out our power rankings to determine who could reach and win the final in May.

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Jose Gimenez will miss the first leg of their crucial Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.

Diego Simeone was working in Argentina in the early years of his coaching career when he requested to attend some training sessions at Barcelona, ...

Even if it is achieved by using what's often perceived as unsportsmanlike tactics that have infuriated opposition coaches and players over the years. It’s one of Guardiola’s many painful exits in the Champions League since his last title, in 2011. One goal was the difference in all three games. A clash of styles soon took hold in Spain, when Simeone moved back to Europe to become coach of Atlético Madrid in 2011 — a few months after Barcelona won the Champions League for the second time and in mesmeric fashion. Simeone, a combative and hard-working midfielder as a player, saw the beauty of soccer in a different way and would come to represent the antithesis of Guardiola and his beautiful approach. I don’t feel it.’”

Atletico Madrid face Manchester City this week. Los Rojiblancos travel to England to lock horns with the Premier League champions today ahead of tomorrow ...

But they’re far from running away with the league; Liverpool are a point behind. The Uruguayan should be ready for the return leg in Spain. And it’s a big one; the quarter-final of the Champions League. Atletico will be keen to put in a strong performance at the Etihad Stadium and earn a good result before the second leg.

Manchester City take on Atletico in the Champions League quarter-final this week and Ilkay Gundogan is aiming for a third final.

We need to take that responsibility and try to make the best out of it.” Gundogan thinks that the team should be able to draw on their experience last year to move closer to fulfilling their ambition of going one step further and winning the most prestigious prize in European club football. However, after a bizarre selection decision from Guardiola not to select a holding midfielder the team were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in Porto.

Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah are the high-end players in a squad where the budget is increasingly a consideration, although there are the funds for ...

His four away games so far have yielded 27 points, and six goals in his last four Bayern appearances suggest more could be on the cards at Villarreal. Fabinho (€5.6m) is the other midfielder, the Liverpool man having collected ten of his 21 Fantasy points via ball recoveries, which should once again be key at Benfica. No such concerns for Darwin Nuñez (€7.7m), who got the decisive goal against Ajax in the last round and, with 26 in all competitions this season, is Benfica's most obvious threat against Liverpool. Odisseas Vlachodimos (€5.4m) may be lower priced but has been out-scored only by Thibaut Courtois among players in his position, and with home advantage against Liverpool, is Tuesday's pick. Given the sums saved in goal and defence, there's more scope for investment in the attacking positions and price tags come no bigger among midfielders than Mohamed Salah (€11.1m) although, with 62 points to his name, he has more than justified it. As with the goalkeepers, a number of the premium defensive options are out of price range, meaning the Scout has been forced to look for cheaper alternatives.

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Jose Gimenez will miss the first leg of their crucial Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.

Bernardo Silva says the Manchester City players are ready to embrace the pressure of embarking on another Champions League campaign as one of the tournament ...

"There is lots of pressure from the fans to continue to win. "There is lots of pressure on both sides but we are players used to this pressure and we will manage it really well." Atletico (Madrid) are a great side also, I'm sure they have that same thing.

City lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of what in an eagerly awaited Champions League quarter-final tie.

City will kick-off on Tuesday night, boasting a 59.5% score in terms of our average possession so far this Champions League campaign. So far in our 2021/22 Champions League campaign, Guardiola’s side have accumulated a remarkable 90.9% figure from our first eight games, further illustrating our quality and consistency in terms of that facet of the game. But how do City and Atletico square up in terms of how each have fared in the Champions League so far this season? Long admired as one of the finest passing squads assembled in the European game, City have the edge in terms of this statistical square up. From our eight games to date in Europe so far this season, City have won five, drawn one and lost twice. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, we have run the rule over City and Atletico’s head-to-head statistical records in the Champions League so far this term.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has called for the Champions League to introduce a Super Bowl-esque opening ceremony to ensure every match becomes 'an ...

Pep Guardiola has laughed off his Champions League "over-thinker" reputation and joked that Manchester City could field 12 players against Atletico.

The game kicks off a hectic run for City, who face Atletico twice and Liverpool twice in the space of 11 days. "It would be a bad sign if we just had easy fixtures and games that didn't matter at all. I'm not going to spend one second on this stupid debate." "I'm not going to talk one second about these stupid debates," Guardiola added. If people think I play the same against Atletico and Liverpool, I don't like [that]. Since drawing 1-1 with United in Spain at the end of February, Diego Simeone's team have won six straight games -- a run which has seen them only concede three goals.

Guardiola has been criticised for 'overthinking' in the past and, with Manchester City to host Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, he gave a wry response to his ...

He doesn’t want to take the risk in the build-up, but after they have quality and play really well in the final third. I never judge the opponent, what they do and try to do – they try to do it to win.” “It has not been very often because we do not play in the same country. “I’m not going to judge for one second what they do, just try and get a result on Tuesday then to go to Madrid [for the return leg].” “In the Champions League I always overthink,” the Catalan said. Tonight I will take inspiration and I’m going to do incredible tactics tomorrow – we play with 12 tomorrow.”

The Bundesliga and La Liga are virtually wrapped up by leaders Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively, whereas the Premier League title race is heating up ...

Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Quarter-final Leg 1) – Benfica vs. Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Quarter-final Leg 1) – Man. City vs. They even beat Manchester City in the finals last year, they played deep, played aggressively and got a breakaway goal,” he reflected on the club’s win last year. And their loss in the Premier League over the weekend could motivate them to be stronger now,” asserted Phelan. They need to put a show up for the supporters that turn up week in and week out,” continued the 55-year-old. I don’t think there would be a lot of training going on, rather, there will be a lot of rest and recovery sessions in order to get ready for the big games,” continued the Irishman.

Liverpool are hard to stop at the best of times, but one classic method for halting Jürgen Klopp won't really be available to Benfica in the Champions ...

Jürgen Klopp will be happy with what he saw.Liverpool handed extra Champions League advantage as Benfica cannot counter Jürgen Klopp planLiverpool FCLiverpool are hard to stop at the best of times, but one classic method for halting Jürgen Klopp won’t really be available to Benfica in the Champions League.Liverpool target 'hopes' £50m offer accepted as Jürgen Klopp 'pushes' for Barcelona transferMedia DigestMedia Digest: Liverpool are reportedly in the queue to sign another RB Leipzig player while Jürgen Klopp's side are also said to be keen on a Barcelona transfer steal.Liverpool might be set to solve their first summer dilemma as Jürgen Klopp drops transfer hintLiverpool FCLiverpool defender Joe Gomez has a decision to make in the summer. Jürgen Klopp will be happy with what he saw.Liverpool handed extra Champions League advantage as Benfica cannot counter Jürgen Klopp planLiverpool FCLiverpool are hard to stop at the best of times, but one classic method for halting Jürgen Klopp won’t really be available to Benfica in the Champions League.Liverpool target 'hopes' £50m offer accepted as Jürgen Klopp 'pushes' for Barcelona transferMedia DigestMedia Digest: Liverpool are reportedly in the queue to sign another RB Leipzig player while Jürgen Klopp's side are also said to be keen on a Barcelona transfer steal. Liverpool handed extra Champions League advantage as Benfica cannot counter Jürgen Klopp planLiverpool FCLiverpool are hard to stop at the best of times, but one classic method for halting Jürgen Klopp won’t really be available to Benfica in the Champions League.Liverpool might be set to solve their first summer dilemma as Jürgen Klopp drops transfer hintLiverpool FCLiverpool defender Joe Gomez has a decision to make in the summer. Manager Jürgen Klopp doesn't seem to be in much doubt as to what the answer should be.Liverpool FCFSG can replace £21m Liverpool duo with transfer of 18-goal star from Jürgen Klopp's former clubLiverpool may say farewell to two attacking fringe players in Liverpool's squad and FSG could replace them with an exciting forward from Jürgen Klopp's former side.Liverpool handed extra Champions League advantage as Benfica cannot counter Jürgen Klopp planLiverpool FCLiverpool are hard to stop at the best of times, but one classic method for halting Jürgen Klopp won’t really be available to Benfica in the Champions League.Liverpool might be set to solve their first summer dilemma as Jürgen Klopp drops transfer hintLiverpool FCLiverpool defender Joe Gomez has a decision to make in the summer. Klopp will not be celebrating already as a result of the yellow card situation, and Liverpool must still be at their best to book their place in the Champions League semi-final, but Benfica could certainly have done without the extra headache. There is even a residual Premier League advantage available to Klopp, in the sense that his players will not be subjected to a night of butchery ahead of a colossal meeting with Manchester City. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s men will face the ordeal of Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, who are certain to leave their mark. By its nature, all of the sides in the tournament are used to being towards the top of their domestic divisions — none will routinely be used to producing backs-to-the-wall performances. Liverpool are not completely immune in this respect, with Mané himself a booking away from suspension, alongside Diogo Jota. This may force Klopp to rein in the aggression of the press to some extent. The manager could even choose to rotate his two attackers out of this fixture, a luxury far less viable for Benfica. For a team that racked up 24 fouls and four bookings over the course of the last-16 tie with Ajax, suddenly having to adjust will be difficult. Yet Benfica cannot afford to be blasé with the risk of suspension — their hopes hinge on the likes of Weigl and Otamendi. Klopp may duly have the rare luxury of being able to implement his plan without too much interference. READ MORE:Liverpool might be set to solve their first summer dilemma as Jürgen Klopp drops transfer hint READ MORE:FSG can replace £21m Liverpool duo with transfer of 18-goal star from Jürgen Klopp's former club However, they will face a significant hindrance in this respect. Benfica are the latest to step up to the plate, and they do so with a significant disadvantage.

Liverpool will continue its quest for a quadruple of major trophies when it visits Benfica, considered one of the easiest teams in the draw for the last eight.

Both have reached the final, with Atléti losing to Real Madrid in 2014 and ‘16 and City beaten by Chelsea last year. Jurgen Klopp will have a full squad available for the first time since he took charge of the team in 2015. Liverpool will continue its quest for a quadruple of major trophies when it visits Benfica, considered one of the easiest teams in the draw for the last eight.

Guardiola gave a sarcastic response when asked about his tactical tinkering in Europe as he prepares to meet the wily Diego Simeone again but there is ...

vs Real Madrid in 2014 semi-final second leg – Trailing the tie 1-0, Guardiola opted for a 4-2-4 formation in the second leg at home, but Bayern lost 4-0. vs Atletico Madrid in 2016 semi-final first leg – When Bayern boss, Guardiola dropped Thomas Muller, who had been a regular and scored eight Champions League goals that term, for the 1-0 loss in Madrid. Atletico would then advance 2-2 on away goals. vs Lyon in 2020 quarter-final – Guardiola opted to match Lyon’s three-man central defence, but the change in formation led to a 3-1 defeat. It comes with the territory, for as a manager who rarely loses, there will always be greater scrutiny on those rare defeats, often on the grandest of stages. I overthink a lot, that's why I have very good results in the Champions League. The movements are different, the players are all different with different personalities. "In the Champions League I always I overthink,” he said.

Villarreal also host Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals; Chelsea continue their Champions League title defence against Real Madrid; ...

"It is a team which has been playing four or five years together so I think they have the momentum and know each other very well. It's for the players, the difference will be there." "When you play for Benfica you know every game is important. It was very untypical and killed the game for us," Blues boss Thomas Tuchel said after the game. I'm not going to judge what they do, I'll analyse what to do to get a good result to go to Madrid next week. So now we are here, let's try to get the most [out] of it."

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has called on UEFA to make the Champions League final more like the Super Bowl.

"I can't understand how the Super Bowl can feel bigger than the Champions League final. That's what I have suggested, to have an opening ceremony to the Champions League, to have one match on the opening night where the winners take on a big team. "The Super Bowl, and the US generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment.

It was all something of an overreaction (in this sport!?) to Barcelona being in terrible shape and Real Madrid just getting off to a slow start. Now it's April, ...

While I have my doubts about Villarreal's chances to survive these two matches and move on, this is a team that can put your defense in difficult spots, and Bayern has been a lot weaker defensively the last two seasons. Not only does it win a lot, but there are plenty of times you don't even need the other team to score for it to cash. Madrid were leaky defensively even in their 3-0 win over Mallorca the week before with an xG allowed of 1.4. Things didn't change much during a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, as Vigo had an xG of 1.7 in the match. If there's a Cinderella left in the Champions League, it's Benfica. This is a team that currently sits in third place in Portugal's Primeira Liga and just looks outmatched against the teams remaining in this competition. They were able to get away with it against those clubs, but asking them to do the same against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a bit much. Yep, it's Liverpool, and I think they'll have a good night at the office Tuesday. Pick: Liverpool Over 2.5 (+130) Benfica was overrun in two matches against Bayern and in the first match against Ajax. Do you know who plays a similar style to those teams but has even more attacking talent? I doubt once will be enough to win the match, but both teams will get on the scoresheet. While City were able to overwhelm Sporting, I don't see that being the case against Atletico. In fact, I think this is an excellent matchup for Atletico. Diego Simeone's entire philosophy is built upon having to withstand the pressure of facing teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona and putting his team in a position to beat them. This team is designed to let its opponent have the ball and quickly strike on the counter when the opportunity arises. So as we reach the final stages of the season, La Liga is looking a lot better than it did six months ago. In those 21 matches, City have played four matches against teams in the top six of the Premier League, and five of those 12 goals came in those matches.

Wayne Rooney was forced to play out wide as he sacrificed himself for Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2008 Champions League final - which Man Utd beat Chelsea ...

Wayne still had the mentality to criticise himself the night he won a Champions League medal because the next time he was in a game of that magnitude he wanted to perform at his best level.” I put an arm around him and it was clear that the fact he had been played out of position to accommodate other players had hurt him deeply. “I asked him what he meant and he said ‘I was s*** out there’ - and he put his head on my shoulder and the tears came.

7. Adel Taarabt. Benfica are the dark horses in the Champions League, but cannot be underestimated after eliminating Ajax in the Round of 16. One-time wonderkid ...

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has praised the development of Rodri during his time at the Etihad Stadium ahead of his side's Champions League ...

City face a mouth-watering battle Liverpool in the Premier League at the weekend before travelling to the Spanish capital for the return-leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie next week. Atletico's visit is likely to see Rodri come up against his former side, whom he departed to join Manchester City for a fee of £62.8 million in the summer of 2019, with the Spain international expected to keep his place in the middle of the park after starting against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. The reigning Premier League champions meet with the La Liga holders for the first time competitively at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Manchester City looking to end Atletico Madrid's impressive winning streak ahead of the tie.

Manchester City and Liverpool will temporarily put the Premier League title race to one side, while Chelsea need to bounce back after a humbling defeat to ...

* Live stream: BT Sport app or via the BT Sport website * Live stream: BT Sport app and via the BT Sport website * Live stream: BT Sport app and via the BT Sport website

5. Geoffrey Kondogbia. Atletico Madrid certainly have their work cut out against Manchester City, but could Diego Simeone be the man who inflicts the latest UCL ...

"When I started playing football, I wanted to be a legend." Trevoh Chalobah talks ambition, overcoming self-doubt, battling 'Turbo' Timo Werner and more.

From representing a Sunday league team, to then one of the biggest clubs in the world, yeah, it's an unbelievable journey." Chalobah is determined to maintain the pace of his own career. From U16 onwards, that's when I started to step up." I'd start to cry in the back of the car, saying: 'I'm not good enough, this is too hard for me.'" I had the height, I had the strength. And then I started to believe in myself more.

Real Madrid were 'not unhappy' after having drawn with Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, according to reports.

Both sides will be eager to stamp their mark on the game and get a foot into the semi-final of the tournament, where the competition will be fierce. The two sides faced off in the semi-final of the same competition last season and the Blues got the better of their Spanish opponents over the course of the two leg tie. Real Madrid were 'not unhappy' after having drawn with Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, according to reports.

The Reds face Benfica in their opener while City host Atletico Madrid. On Wednesday, it will be Chelsea hosting Real Madrid in a rematch of last season's ...

Man of the Match pick: Robert Lewandowski. His European record is just unbelievable. While it will be a tight affair, Benzema will pull Real Madrid across the line in victory. While I see Chelsea scoring in the match, he'll keep Real in a match that they likely shouldn't walk away with a victory from. Benzema also has a chance at the golden boot if Real Madrid are to advance in the competition sitting on eight goals in the competition. Most likely to score a goal: Karim Benzema. Although it's an away match, I find it hard to bet against Benzema performing on the big stage, especially after his hat trick with everything on the line against a star-studded PSG side. It's hard to look at this matchup and come away with the expectation that anyone will have a larger say in how things will go than Benzema. With eight goals already in Champions League play, Benzema has been instrumental in Real's performance. Heavy City possession leads to a ton of chances, but a lone goal is enough as they combat Atleti's pressure with crisp passing. If they can keep the ball on the ground and be smart in their distribution, they can limit the chances and get a key clean sheet. The Uruguayan is a tank at the back, but he will have to be super cautious when going up against a tricky and speedy Foden, knowing that one wrong challenge can dig a huge hole. Man of the Match pick: Thiago Alcantara has the technical ability to dominate and dictate this sort of contest and he will be one of the main dangers Benfica seek to neutralize. Given that the Egyptian is under a little scrutiny of late, this could be the sort of game where he makes the difference as a reminder of his quality. Adding to the stakes is the fact that Otamendi is a booking away from second-leg suspension so will be walking a tightrope from the off.

Organized by the Union of European Football Associations, UCL is one of the most competitive and popular football club organizations. Originating in 1955 ...

Then six teams advance to the group stage and join 26 other teams qualified in advance. In 1992, the competition adopted its current name. The winner was crowned the European club champion.

Manchester City are back in Champions League action when we play host to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday 5 April.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi wants to capitalie on commercial opportunities that the Champions League could bring.

Al-Khelaifi highlighted that the U. S. and Super Bowl have a mindset of “creativity and entertainment” when it comes to the event and suggested the Champions League do the same. The Super Bowl’s viewership has always been a mere fraction of global soccer events. He also pushed for the consideration of new venues, markets, and formats.

Manchester City have been putting together their final preparations at the City Football Academy on Monday afternoon, ahead of the Champions League ...

Bernardo Silva will be looking to make an immediate return to the starting XI this week, after Ilkay Gundogan took his place for the weekend's commanding victory against Burnley alongside Kevin De Bruyne. Pep Guardiola's side will be heading into the clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night full of confidence, after Saturday afternoon's comfortable 0-2 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League. For Manchester City, the victory secured their place at the top of the Premier League table for another matchday, and may just hand them a psychological advantage going into next Sunday's huge top-flight showdown against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

The last time Benfica made the semis, they went on to reach the final, in 1990, when a team coached by Sven-Goran Eriksson lost 1-0 to AC Milan and missed ...

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. "We've also eliminated Barcelona, who were in our group, and Ajax. Looking at the two teams, it is possible to do it again. Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 (Quarter-final Leg 1) – Benfica vs. Another former Spurs player, Adel Taraabt, is now plying his trade in central midfield. We have to correct it." "We always have to work.

Liverpool's quest for Champions League glory heads to Portugal on Tuesday night where Benfica await. Who will take the advantage in this quarter-final first ...

For the Champions League, you may wish to choose 'USA' for Paramount+. You can add BT Sport to your package for only £15 a month (plus a £20 joining fee). Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Benfica vs Liverpool live stream rights holders, you won't be able to access them when outside your own country. Fetch TV, Apple TV, Android TV, most smart TVs, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast also carry the app for smart TV viewing. To begin with, there's a Stan 30-day free trial. Simply use a VPN to access a live stream without being blocked. Those on Virgin Media will need the Virgin V6 box and a 4K TV to make sure they're getting the action at maximum resolution. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted. Can the Reds bring their scintillating Premier League form with them to the Portuguese capital? Jurgen Klopp's relentless Liverpool will present by far their toughest challenge yet, but much-admired Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez could cause problems for them and will be looking to make an impression in the biggest game of his career so far. It's an 8pm GMT kick-off at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday 5th April 2022. Who will take the advantage in this quarter-final first leg?

Liverpool's 24 man squad for tonight's Champions League clash with Benfica has been revealed, however, it has one key man missing.

The only loss of their campaign so far was at home to Inter Milan in the round of 16, where they still progressed following an impressive victory in the first leg. The absence of the keeper' from the photos suggests that Adrian will be on the bench tonight in case of injury to first-choice Allison Becker. The Irish international was on the bench for the weekend's 2-0 victory over Watford and took part in training.

Team news and form guides for Benfica v Liverpool, City v Atlético, Villarreal v Bayern and Chelsea v Real Madrid.

They did the double over Villarreal when they last met in the Champions League a decade ago, and will be confident of repeating that feat over the next week. As for Bayern, they booked their place in the last eight by beating RB Salzburg 8-2 on aggregate, with seven of those goals coming in the second leg. They have only won one home game in the Champions League , when they beat Young Boys in the group stage, yet are in the last eight. They have now been beaten in three of their last five games in all competitions, dropping down to seventh in La Liga, but they did pull off an impressive 3-0 win at Juventus to book their spot in the quarter-finals. City eased into the quarter-finals with a 5-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP in the last 16. Benfica’s defeat over the weekend was away, but their home form has not been great either – they have only won three of their last seven matches at Estádio Da Luz. However, they have already upset the odds in the Champions League this season, reaching the quarter-finals by beating Ajax 3-2 on aggregate in the last 16.

5. Geoffrey Kondogbia. Atletico Madrid certainly have their work cut out against Manchester City, but could Diego Simeone be the man who inflicts the latest UCL ...

The current rules on yellow cards mean that two Liverpool stars are just one yellow away from missing the second leg of the Reds Champions League tie with ...

Benfica have more to worry about than the Reds though, with SEVEN of their players at risk of missing the second leg. Both Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota risk missing the Anfield leg of the tie if they receive yellow cards in tonight's game. The current rules on yellow cards mean that two Liverpool stars are just one yellow away from missing the second leg of the Reds Champions League tie with Benfica.

Here's where things stand in the Champions League as the quarterfinal round begins.

Benfica is likely to bow out against Liverpool in the quarterfinal round. Bayern has a relatively light draw with Villarreal in the quarterfinal, so these odds are likely to improve after this round. This team can defend, which makes its matchup against Chelsea in the quarterfinal round intriguing. Liverpool has been great in the UCL arena under Jurgen Klopp, making back-to-back finals in 2017-18 and 2018-19. These Premier League rivals have gone back and forth in recent seasons to assert their dominance on the sport. The UEFA Champions League has moved into the quarterfinal round, with Benfica-Liverpool and Manchester City-Atletico Madrid kicking things off Tuesday, April 5.

The Champions League bracket from here on out is balanced and rich with intrigue, but which power is most likely to lift the trophy in Paris?

Benfica squeezed past Ajax in an entertaining round-of-16 matchup and survived a group with Bayern (despite being destroyed on two occasions by the German giants). And while it would have preferred Villarreal or maybe even Atlético, Benfica will have to face one of the most in-form teams in the world. Without that win over Manchester United, Villarreal would have never found itself in the Champions League this season, let alone in the quarterfinals after upsetting Juventus. Its trip to Turin last month was more than just an upset—it was a stunning show of force. The one thing Villarreal has going for it is a raucous home crowd from the get-go, and an early goal would go a long way on multiple fronts. And after leading Atlético to his second La Liga title, Simeone will surely go all in on taking down the giants of the European stage in search of the club’s first Champions League title. And in a tie that should be very close (and very entertaining), a lockdown defense is usually what provides the difference. After a nail-biting last-16 tie with Manchester United, Atlético must now head to the more formidable Manchester side in Guardiola’s City, where it definitely cannot look ahead to meeting Chelsea/Real in the semifinal and then potentially Liverpool or Bayern Munich. But is it out of the question? First up is its quarterfinal against a Real Madrid side that turned the tables on PSG in the final half-hour of the tie. Last season in the semifinal, Chelsea used the second leg at home to its advantage with a 2–0 (3–1 agg. Bayern is coming off consecutive four-goal performances in the Bundesliga and has its eyes set on a 10th straight league title, given its nine-point lead atop the table with eight games to go. The journey is difficult with Atlético potentially followed by a semifinal against Real Madrid or Chelsea. And if it gets past them, then Liverpool and Bayern could await in the final. It would be easy to get caught looking ahead to a potential showdown with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the semifinals, but this Bayern team is too experienced and balanced, especially in his high-octane attack. Yet they could both be caught looking ahead at the other in a mouthwatering semifinal that is sure to entertain.

Atlético head to the blue side of Manchester having scored nine goals in eight Champions League matches, and given the un-Simeonean defensive record they've had ...

Ten of Unai Emery’s players have scored non-penalty goals in this season’s Champions League. That’s tied with Manchester City and Chelsea for the most in the competition. Chelsea don’t concede at home in the Champions League, Real Madrid hardly concede away in the Champions League. The rematch of last season’s semi-final might be the most likely 0-0 of the week. Klopp’s players are going to attack in Estádio da Luz, and they’re going to have plenty of the ball. Perhaps that’s what Benfica want: They’re one of two remaining teams to score two goals from fast breaks in the competition. To bring this back around to that 35.7 number at the top, Atléti’s sequences started an average of 34.9 metres from goal away to Liverpool, and their 0.25 xG was their lowest in eight UCL matches. Only 23% of their shots are coming from outside the box, which is the lowest of all 32 UCL teams: To put that in context, the best PPDA for the competition is Ajax’s 7.4 mark spanning eight matches. An even goal difference has gotten them here (nine goals scored and conceded), and an optimist may tell you all it really takes is an even goal difference to keep going at this stage of the competition. Atlético head to the blue side of Manchester having scored nine goals in eight Champions League matches, and given the un-Simeonean defensive record they’ve had in Spain this season, it’s remarkable that’s been enough for this Atlético side to remain in the competition. They were outmatched in the group stage at Anfield, a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in which Jürgen Klopp’s side had a 3.22-0.25 xG advantage. Those are your last eight in the 2021-22 Champions League. No Italian teams, just like the World Cup. Here are the predictions, rankings and a few deeper numbers to consider for the first legs of each tie. City average 5.17 passes per sequence, Atlético are at 2.85. That’s the longwinded way of saying this tie likely has the most contrast in styles among the quarter-finals:

April 5 – Paris Saint-Germain boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi has called on UEFA to jazz up the Champions League final to make it more like the Super Bowl.

“The Super Bowl, and the US generally, have this mindset, creativity and entertainment. Head of the European Club Association, Al-Khelaifi wants the Champions League to become more of a spectacle, including a glittering opening ceremony. April 5 – Paris Saint-Germain boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi has called on UEFA to jazz up the Champions League final to make it more like the Super Bowl.

The Rush: Kansas stuns UNC in epic Championship game comeback. The Kansas Jayhawks beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-69 in the NCAA Men's Championship ...

Can Pep Guardiola curb his overthinking to advance in his quest for an ever elusive Man City Champions League tile.

Manchester City: While City has close to a clean bill of health, Kyle Walker is suspended for the tie while Ruben Dias is still injured. This tournament has been a team effort for Atletico Madrid as they've struggled to score while being their typical stingy defensive selves, scoring and conceding nine goals in the competition thus far. In contrast to a Diego Simeone side that you typically know what you get, Guardiola needs to ensure that his team doesn't tactically self-sabotage as home favorites.

Minute-by-minute report: Join Rob Smyth for updates as Diego Simeone's side return to Manchester after toppling United.

It’s Manchester City v Atletico Madrid, with the winners to face either Chelsea or Real Madrid in a semi-final which, whatever the permutation, will be loaded with meaning.The first leg of the quarter-final is at the Etihad tonight, with the second at the Wanda Metropolitano next Wednesday. City are strong favourites, for reasons that would be intelligence-insulting to explain, and all things being equal they will go through. But all things weren’t equal when Atletico put Guardiola’s Bayern out in the 2015-16 semi-final, or when they eliminated a rampant Liverpool two years ago, or when Pep was too funky by far against Spurs/Lyon/Chelsea.If Atletico can get out of Manchester with at worst a one-goal deficit, they will fancy their chances next week. They’ve won seven of their last eight games, and the eighth - a draw at home to Manchester United in the last 16 - ultimately led to victory. We want to impose our game but they are a good team - champions of Spain, and they have always had good results in Europe. They’re a tough opponent.“John [Stones] will play with Aymer in the centre and Nathan [will play at left-back]. We have players on the bench who can change the game - Gabi, Phil, Jack. But I decided to start with these guys today.”Manchester City’s Phil Foden (left) and Jack Grealish head out for the warm up. “Speaking of Football Weekly,” says Matt Burtz. “I’ve been a faithful listener for many years now, and I’ve always wondered if we’ll ever get to hear your dulcet tones as a panelist. But it’s the Withering Depths of Simeone’s sh!thousing Atletico that I’m looking forward to enjoying tonight.” It won’t be the same without Hector Herrera.

Manchester City welcome La Liga champions Atletico Madrid to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night for the first of their two-legged UEFA Champions League ...

Prior to kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone have confirmed their respective starting XI's to go head-to-head in some Champions League action under the lights! With Chelsea or Real Madrid awaiting the winner of Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid in the semi-final, it is set to be a fiercely contested tie over the course of two-legs, with the return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano scheduled for next week. However, attentions now quickly turn to the Champions League, and the quarter-final stage with Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side in town on Tuesday night to try and cause another upset in the competition.

The Champions League format consists of the preliminary round in late June followed by three qualifying rounds and a playoff round. Then six teams advance to ...

Then six teams advance to the group stage and join 26 other teams qualified in advance. In 1992, the competition adopted its current name. The winner was crowned the European club champion.

Benfica go host Liverpool while Man City go jam Atletico Madrid for di quarterfinal first leg matches.

If e no dey enough, we go go again next season. "We go just enjoy am, go Lisbon and give am eviritin. Dat one mean say dem fit win Champions League, FA Cup and di Premier League title dis season

As Europe's best clubs compete to advance to the final four of the 2021-22 Champions League, we look at how the semifinal matchups are determined in the ...

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Kevin De Bruyne broke Atletico Madrid's stubborn resistance as the Manchester City midfielder's second-half strike clinched a 1-0 win in the Champions ...

Despite a 20-minute surge in the second half, Benfica were clearly second best. How he set up the third goal was world class.” We will give it a try,” he said in a press conference on Monday. The goal in the 17th minute was straightforward, Konate towering over Everton Soares at a corner and heading into the bottom of the net. The substitutions knocked Benfica out of their stride and as the game drifted towards the finish, Liverpool snatched a third, Keita slipping in Diaz, who rounded the goalkeeper and slid into an empty net. They came into the tie dreaming of inflicting another upset, having already seen off Barcelona in the group stage and Ajax in the last 16, and they began with the intent of under-dogs, as Alex Grimaldo stirred the crowd with a thumping, sliding challenge. Benfica made a game of it early in the second half when a Konate error allowed the lively Darwin Nunez to pull one back, but Luis Diaz, who was superb all night, added a late third to put Liverpool in sight of the semis. Konate nodded in his first Liverpool goal from a corner before Mane tapped home to put Liverpool in command at the Estadio da Luz. Liverpool took charge of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica as Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz gave them a 3-1 lead after the first leg in Lisbon. De Bruyne had a chance to double City’s lead but couldn’t hit the target to leave the tie in the balance. Correa escaped with a booking after kicking the ball at Grealish, earning a shove from Guardiola in the process. There was additional stress late in the game for Guardiola too, forced to run onto the field to as a scuffle broke out between Jack Grealish and Angel Correa.

Atletico Madrid had given Manchester City plenty of headaches in the first half while their English Premier League title rivals did it easy in Portugal.

If the game is tight they will have to attack a little bit more.” Hopefully we can get the job done.” They played with almost five at the back and with five in midfield. It is the way they play. I recommend anyone that says anything ... that they try playing against that on the training ground. One nil is one nil.

Title challengers Manchester City and Liverpool have warmed up for their top-of-the-table clash at the weekend with first leg victories.

Still, the Reds passed the latest test in their bid for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, with the semifinals now in sight. Antoine Griezmann wasted one opening with a poor pass and Marcos Llorente chipped tamely at goalkeeper Ederson from another. Benfica, playing in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 after eliminating Ajax in the last 16, could easily have been further behind by halftime as Liverpool pressed high and was much sharper with its passing. That built on Liverpool’s opener scored by Ibrahima Konaté — the centre back’s first for the club — off an outswinging corner from Robertson in the 17th minute. Konaté blotted what was otherwise a strong defensive display by failing to clear Rafa Silva's cross from the right. After a tight 70 minutes, City finally found its way through Atletico’s tough rear guard helped by Phil Foden's vision.

Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal to give Manchester City a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on ...

Uruguay striker Darwin Núñez capitalised on a mistake by Konaté to pull a goal back in the 49th. Antoine Griezmann wasted one opening with a poor pass and Marcos Llorente chipped tamely at goalkeeper Ederson from another. It was good that we took one.” After a tight 70 minutes, City finally found its way through Atletico’s tough rearguard helped by Phil Foden's vision. The first half was played at a slow tempo with City controlling most of the ball, despite having all of its outfield players in the final third at times, being unable to create openings. “The first half was tight, but we didn’t give anything away and in the second half had a couple of chances.