The biggest football club tournament in the world returned for the quarter final stage, and it didn't disappoint. Bayern Munich confirmed their case as serious contenders for the trophy with a fantastic 2-0 win over a frustrating Juventus, Borussia Dortmund's gloriously attacking side ground to a halt against a determined Malaga, and Real Madrid thoroughly outclassed a pathetic Galatasaray outfit.
The tie of the round then(almost by default), was Paris Saint Germain's 2-2 draw with the favourites Barcelona. PSG sprung a surprise with their starting XI as their January signing, professional model David Beckham, started in holding midfield against Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. Beckham hadn't played in the Champions League since 2010, and this was his first quarter final in Europe's premier competition since 2004. It showed really, although to be honest the former England captain wasn't the worst player on the field- how Javier Pastore cost over £30 million I'll never know.
The performance of PSG was refreshing as unlike so many teams they weren't intimidated by Barcelona's fearsome reputation. When Messi was off the field, Barca looked ordinary, and from where I was sitting the penalty that Xavi tucked away was never a foul. Thankfully Blaise Matuidi's last-gasp equaliser ensured a good result for the French outfit, and with Ibrahimovic in form, could PSG even go through?
Real Madrid's win was utterly inevitable and unchallenged by Galatasaray. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuaín all scored as the nine-time champions eased to a win. Particularly disappointing were January signings Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder, who was replaced at half time.
Juventus were really never in the game at the Allianz Arena as soon as David Alaba scored after 25 seconds. The swerve on that shot was something else...
As for the second legs, there is next to no hope for Galatasary against Real, Barca should see themselves past Juve, and Bayern have too much nous to throw away such an advantage. I would hope Dortmund make it past Malaga as that will pit the four best teams in Europe at the moment against each other.
Thanks for reading, Adam.
“I have spoken to David James today and explained to him that, on this occasion, I think it's best not to select him,”
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