What we learned from the Champions League Round of 16 first leg ties
The Champions League business stage kicked off last week and I’ve been regularly stressing the fact that every game was super exciting. Well, that’s because they really were - I watched every game. Now all the first leg matches have been played, fans and followers are beginning to how the quater finals will pan out, but here are two key things we’ve learned from the matches so far.
English teams are on a Renaissance
Premier league teams have made little impact on the European stage in very recent times and this made detractors question the hype and quality of the league. Chelsea were the last English team to win the Champions League and that was back in 2012. Since then, no EPL have appeared in the final. In fact, an English team has only made four appearances at the quater final stages since then, while the semi finals have accomodated a measly two. This is a far cry from the years before that when these teams made giant strides on the continent. Between 2005 and 2012, English teams appeared in the champions League final a whopping eight times, winning three of those.
However, 2018 has seen a massive turnaround in fortunes for the three lions’ base. Firstly, England became the first ever nation to produce a massive five teams in the round of 16 and all these teams are in with a real chance of making the quarterfinals. Manchester City and Liverpool will definitely make the last eight after heavy away wins, Tottenham and Manchester United secured impressive away draws too and it will be a surprise if they don’t go through. Chelsea were desperately unlucky to draw with Barcelona at The Bridge after a very accomplished and disciplined display but should not be written off just yet as they have are very capable of claiming a result in Spain.
This is all good news for the EPL and it sends a message to the rest of Europe, English teams are not to be messed with.
Real Madrid/Ronaldo should be feared*
Barcelona legend, Xavi recently commented on Real Madrid’s performance against PSG last week. The midfield maestro pointed out that Madrid don’t necessarily play well but still manage to grind out results and opponents need to be on their toes all game. Well, he was right. Madrid are the most efficient team on the European stage, they don’t have to play well in La Liga or even in the champions league group stages. They have a way of coming alive when it matters the most and this is arguably inspired by Ronaldo’s blood thirsty lust for trophies and personal accolades. The Portuguese icon is top scorer with 11 goals and you can’t bet against him putting up another goalscoring performance when the travel to Paris for the second leg tie.