The stage is set for the Quarter Final action of the biggest Club Tournament in Football. The uefa champions league draw  has thrown up some exciting match, And we can’t wait for the tournament to resume, so let’s have a look at each match.

First let’s have a look at the fixture

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Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

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This is probably the most exciting & Interesting match of the lot. The defending champions facing one of their strongest domestic rivals. The last time this two met at the same stage was 2 years ago, & Atletico emerged victorious then, But things stand completely different now, Barcelona are currently on a 39 games unbeaten streak and are in a red hot form. Plus the fact that Barcelona have beaten Atletico in their last 6 encounters.

Let’s have a look at some of the facts for the tie

  • Barcelona and Atlético met in the 2013/14 uefa champions league quarter-finals, Atlético winning 1-0 at home after a 1-1 away draw. Koke scored the only goal at the Vicente Calderón after Neymar had cancelled out Diego’s strike for Atleti at the Camp Nou.
  • Barcelona have won the last six matches between the sides, including two 2-1 Liga victories this season
  • Overall Barcelona have won six of their 22 games against Spanish rivals in Europe, drawing six and losing ten.
  • Lionel Messi has scored 25 goals in 27 matches against Atlético, including three hat-tricks.

How Atletico deal with the in form trio of MSN will be one of the main deciding factor in this tie. It’s sure to be a physical game with Atletico trying to use it’s muscle power to keep the trio in check.

Reaction’s

Diego Simeone, Atlético coach

They’re a serious opponent and what could be better for us than to play the best in the world? It makes me very excited.

Our Prediction – We expect the match to be highly competitive , though we are putting our money on Barcelona.

Bayern Munich Vs Benfica

Bayern Munich Vs Benfica

It’s Not exactly a David vs Goliath battle in this match But Bayern are a huge favorite in this match . Bayern who had a tough Round of 16 outing against Juventus, could not have probably asked for a more favorable draw.

Let’s have a look at some of the facts for the tie

  • Bayern have never lost against Benfica .Bayern have won four of their six matches drawing the other two.
  • Bayern beat Benfica 5-1 on aggregate (0-0 away, 5-1 home) in the 1975/76 European Cup quarter-finals, and 7-2 overall (4-1 home, 3-1 away) in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup third round, going on to win the trophy each time. There were 20-year intervals between those ties: 2016 comes next!
  • Benfica’s 40 games against German clubs have ended W12 D13 L15 (W10 D7 L2 in Lisbon – W2 D6 L13 in Germany). They have won five of their last seven home fixtures against German visitors.
Reactions

Xabi Alonso, Bayern Midfielder.

We have learned from the experience of last year against Porto – at this stage everyone is difficult . Of course there are bigger names, but we have to focus on our tie; you can’t take anything for granted. We came through a tough tie against Juventus and need to keep going. We have to respect Benfica, but we have plenty of time to analyse them.

Eduardo Salvio, Benfica midfielder.

Together we are capable of achieving anything. We’ve proved before that we can do what others thought was impossible.

 

https://twitter.com/Sebastianrode20/status/710789583269715968

Our Prediction – Bayern should sail through the next round provided they do not take Benfica Lightly, However with a bit of luck Benfica can cause a huge upset.

Real Madrid Vs Wolfsburg

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A real David vs Goliath battle is on the cards Here. Real Madrid are a clear favorite to win this tie and secure their place in the semifinal. Wolfsburg who are apperaing at this stage of the tournament for the first time would like to leave a mark, But the task at hand is simply too much for them.

Let’s have a look at some of the facts for the tie

  • Wolfsburg have won only one of their four previous games against Spanish opponents – the most recent, when they beat Villarreal 4-1 at home in the 2009/10 round of 32 second leg for a 6-3 aggregate success. They lost home (2-3) and away (1-2) to Atlético Madrid in the 1999/2000 UEFA Cup third round.
  • Madrid lost their most recent fixture against German opposition, 4-3 at home to Schalke in last season’s round of 16 second leg, yet still prevailed in that tie having triumphed 2-0 away.
Reactions

Dieter Hecking, Wolfsburg coach

I said a few days ago that Benfica would have been the easiest draw, but my second wish was Real Madrid. The anticipation is huge and will grow even more. We have the opportunity to showcase ourselves on the biggest stage and want to grasp that chance with everything we’ve got. In the coming days I will think about whether we want to approach the game attack-mindedly or more defensively.

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Our Prediction – As much as we would like to see Wolfsburg Progressing, we can’t see that happening, Real Madrid should progress to the semifinal with ease.

Paris SG v Manchester City

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It’s the clash that being termed as clash between Arab money vs Arab money. Both the clubs had their fortune change few years ago when they were bought by rich Arab investors. Both the clubs are more or less equally matched thus this makes it as one of the most Open encounter’s of all the above lot.A big factor that can influence this match is the fact that PSG has already secured Ligue 1 title and hence can rest the players ahead of the big match, While city who are battling for a possible top 4 finish does not have the luxury to them.

Let’s have a look at some of the facts for the tie

  • Paris and Manchester City shared a goalless draw at the City of Manchester Stadium in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage – their only previous meeting
  • Paris knocked out Chelsea in the round of 16, recording 2-1 home and away wins. They drew home (1-1) and away (2-2) against the London club in the 2014/15 round of 16 to progress on away goals and are thus unbeaten in their last four matches against Premier League opposition.
Reaction’s –

Laurent Blanc, Paris coach

Fate had Manchester City in store for us. They’re obviously a very good club, with a very good team and good manager – but at this point of the competition there are only good teams left. We have a lot of respect for them and we’re certainly going to look at the way they play, even though we watch them a lot on television. I think it’s going to be a good match-up because Manchester City’s philosophy is to play football.

Pellegrini,City Coach

It’s a difficult draw. It’s better to finish at home. Having the first leg away means you know what you have to do.”

https://twitter.com/21LVA/status/710803145488736256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Our Prediction – Well this one is the most difficult to predict, But i would personally place my money on PSG. WHY? cause Zlatan!!