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Who will win the UEFA Champions League 2020/21?

Which side will win the UEFA Champions League 2020/21?

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Firebat

Firebat

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It's come down to the last 8 teams of this years Champion's League! Here's a brief look at each side:

Bayern Munich - The reigning champions are still stronger than ever, full of stars. The front 4 of Lewandowski, Muller, Sane and Gnabry is arguably the best in the competition, supported by Kimmich, Alaba, Neuer, Goretzka and more. They are the favourites to retain their title for most people.

Paris St-Germain - The runners-up of last year have come back strongly this time round, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, one of the highest-rated coaches in world football. Mbappe, Neymar, Keylor Navas, Icardi and a host of other superstars make up a very formidable side, keen to right the wrongs of that narrow 1-0 defeat last year to Bayern Munich.

Manchester City - After a poor season last year, in the league and in Europe getting knocked out by Lyon, Pep's City are back stronger this year looking for that elusive first UCL title. The league is almost done and dusted, so you can be sure Pep and his players will turn all efforts towards European success. The emergence into the first team this season in particular of Cancelo, Foden and Dias have transformed Man City, and could propel them to their #1 goal.

Real Madrid - They may be a far cry from the team that won 3 back-to-back UCL titles, but Zidane's side still boast some of the world's best; Varane, Ramos, Benzema, Kroos, Asensio and Modric - who, at the age of 35, is still delivering man-of-the-match masterclasses from the heart of midfield. However, they've not been tested very much thus far in Europe, and find themselves the worst of the big 3 sides in La Liga.

Liverpool - A horror run of form since the turn of the year has left Liverpool's EPL season in tatters, but the 2019 winners haven't shown any rust in their favourite competition, cruising past RB Leipzig. They have a squad riddled with injuries, but the return of Diogo Jota, who was so in-form before injury, has bolstered their quite off-form attack.

Chelsea - "I'm pretty sure no one wants to play against us" said Thomas Tuchel, after Chelsea clinically dismantled La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid over 2 legs. Chelsea seem to have been reborn under Tuchel - they've still not lost after 13 games, and have kept 11 clean sheets. While their forwards have been hit-or-miss, there's not many opposition attacks excited to come up against Chelsea.

Borussia Dortmund - Arguably one of the weaker teams in the last 8, Dortmund have generally struggled so far this year, finding themselves 5th in the Bundesliga and just managing to scrape past Sevilla in the round of 16. However, in cup football, you just need a moment of brilliance to change your fortunes, and who better to grab a goal out of nothing than the 20-year old goalscoring machine Erling Braut Haaland.

FC Porto - Probably the weakest side in the quarter-finals, but they are not to be taken lightly - as Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo found out the hard way in the previous round. Led by the experienced 3-time UCL title winner Pepe at the back, what Porto lack in star-power and gamechangers, they make up for with fight and heart, which can be more than enough to upset some of the biggest sides.

Do you agree with my assessments of each side? Who do you guys think will win the Champions League this season?

Vote in the poll above, and discuss...
 
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So one of last year's finalists aren't making it to the semi finals!

Quite heavily stacked on one side of the bracket, which spells good news for Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Man City, meanwhile, are going to have to work hard for that first UCL title. PSG's chances have also taken a hit, but if they prove strong enough to take revenge on Bayern then that will catapult them into strong favourites.

Overall, I'd say Chelsea is the happiest team, as they have the simplest QF match, followed up by a very winnable semi final vs Real Madrid or Liverpool.

Still backing Bayern to go all the way though.
 
The Athletic said:
The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals (with the first legs to be played on April 6-7 and return legs on April 13-14) was made this morning — here’s how the four ties might play out tactically.

Chelsea vs Porto

The major takeaway from Porto’s first-leg victory over Juventus was the extent to which they felt like an iteration of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid — a deep, compact 4-4-2 block that became 5-4-1 and, at times in the second leg, more like 6-3-1. In that sense, Chelsea had the perfect preparation for this tie.

Chelsea have been utterly transformed under Thomas Tuchel and now appear to be excelling in almost every respect. Initially, Tuchel concentrated upon possession play with a solid defensive structure but in their impressive two-legged victory over Atletico, they demonstrated great counter-pressing in the first leg, then ruthless counter-attacking in the second leg. Here, the former concept will be more important as Porto will defend deep for long periods, then attempt to play quick transitions into attack.

tuchel mendy chelsea
Tuchel has improved Chelsea’s performances (Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Mehdi Taremi and Moussa Marega are likely to play as a strike partnership but denying central midfielder Sergio Oliveira time on the ball will also be important, while left-back Zaidu Sanusi got forward to great effect against Juventus. Jesus Corona, traditionally a rampaging right winger, effectively became a wing-back against Juventus and will probably do something similar against the threat of Marcos Alonso. Manager Sergio Conceicao will probably use a 6-3-1 out of possession.

Olivier Giroud, Chelsea’s hero in the first leg against Atletico, may return if Tuchel expects Porto to sit back in the first leg of this quarter-final. He was involved in a brilliant, old-school, physical battle against Pepe in France’s 0-0 Nations League draw with Portugal in October. You suspect Pepe would prefer to play against Giroud rather than against a speedier forward.
..
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Interesting analysis
 
Cont..

Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund

The major focus here will inevitably be Erling Haaland against his father’s old club and Jadon Sancho against his own old club — and, realistically, if Borussia Dortmund are to upset Manchester City, it will be through the speed and individual quality of their attackers rather than outplaying Pep Guardiola’s midfield.

After all, City are surely playing the best football in Europe in 2021 and doing so with an ultra-fluid system regularly featuring no set striker. In that sense, this is quite a contrast — Dortmund are largely based around the goalscoring firepower of Haaland whereas City generally look better without a centre-forward.

Usually, the goalscoring burden is shared by five of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero may not even start.

There is a similarity, though, in that both sides use Portuguese playmaking full-backs. Guardiola’s use of Joao Cancelo, drifting infield from right-back to central midfield, is not a novel idea from Guardiola but never before has that type of half-back exerted such playmaking influence on his side. Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro doesn’t play quite such an unconventional role but is a left-back who was previously fielded in central midfield, and has now returned to his old position pushing forward down the left.

There will inevitably be a major focus upon Guardiola’s tactical approach after so many accusations of him using overly experimental systems for previous Champions League knockout ties — last season’s defeat against Lyon was probably the best (or worst) example of that. His current default approach, however, with Cancelo moving inside to sit alongside City’s holding midfielder, is probably the best system for guarding against the counter-attacking speed of Haaland and Sancho.

Real Madrid vs Liverpool

This is a repeat of the 2018 final and you can’t help feeling that both sides are essentially just weaker versions of the teams they were three years ago. The managers remain the same, but both have been severely damaged by injuries this season.

Zinedine Zidane’s back four is similar and his midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos is still capable of controlling the game as effectively as any. But the attacking options aren’t the same. Karim Benzema, once asked to bring the best out of the main stars, is now the main star himself. That said, he’s been outstanding at times this season, and he’ll fancy his chances of dominating Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak.

Liverpool’s use of a high line without their speediest centre-backs has often looked disastrous — the pace of Vinicius Junior in behind may worry them. The knock-on effect has caused issues in midfield and down the right, although they look more solid now Fabinho has returned to anchor the midfield. He, Thiago and (probably) Georginio Wijnaldum can go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid’s three and hope to dominate the centre of the pitch.


Liverpool also have the superior full-backs, especially if Lucas Vazquez continues at right-back for Real, as he’d be up against Sadio Mane. Meanwhile, another showdown between Mohamed Salah and Sergio Ramos will be interesting after the Egyptian departed early through injury after a tangle with the Real captain in Kyiv in 2018.


Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain

Last season’s final was a genuinely exciting, end-to-end clash between two sides confident of dominating the game through possession play and a high defensive line. Bayern Munich emerged victoriously but Paris Saint-Germain arguably had the better chances and will be desperate for revenge.

Since then, of course, Tuchel has departed and been replaced by Mauricio Pochettino, who hasn’t entirely imposed his methods successfully so far, although it was enough for PSG to get the better of Barcelona comfortably over two legs — and that was without Neymar.

Pochettino has tried some different approaches to Tuchel, having used Marco Verratti as a No 10 in the first leg against Barcelona, but you sense he’ll be gearing his side up for an attempt to out-Bayern Bayern, playing aggressively and trying to dominate through pressing.

This is a slightly different Bayern side to last season, with Joshua Kimmich playing in midfield after the departure of Thiago and the added speed of Leroy Sane on the wing — which was where they eventually prevailed over PSG in last season’s final, with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry making inroads down the flanks and the former heading home Kimmich’s cross for the only goal.

Perhaps an unlikely key player for Hansi Flick’s side could be Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, part of PSG’s victorious squad last year and now a back-up at Bayern.

But, just like last year, this feels like it could be about a battle between PSG’s forwards and Manuel Neuer. The goalkeeper’s one-on-one save from Neymar in the final was huge and it would be a surprise if he didn’t face similar situations this time around..
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Chelsea certainly have the most favourable route to the final. And in a one-off final, anything is possible. They'd be my dark horses
 
Bayern Munich because they are literally unbeatable. However, anything is possible in CL knockout stages, 2012 is a proof to that. As a Chelsea fan, i would say we have a really good chance at winning CL even though our attack is poor.
 
Chelsea looks really good.

Bayern & Man City - Bayern wins
Chelsea & Liverpool - Chelsea wins. (Liverpool? I know nobody gives them a shot but I watch their matches and feel they still have it in them)
 
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is set to miss both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool after suffering a calf muscle injury.

The 35-year-old defender picked up the injury while on international duty.

Real face the Reds on Tuesday, 6 April and Wednesday, 14 April, either side of El Clasico with Barcelona in La Liga.

"If there is something that hurts me, it is not being able to help the team in these highly demanding matches," said the Spaniard on Instagram.

Ramos said he noticed the problem while on the training pitch following Spain's 3-1 victory against Kosovo and scans on Thursday confirmed the injury.

Real are at home for the first leg against Liverpool.

The tie was due to pit Ramos against forward Mohamed Salah, who suffered a shoulder injury in a challenge from Ramos during the 2018 final in Kiev.

Real went on to win that game 3-1, but Salah said earlier this week he bears no grudges.

"Let's say I have a special desire to win the game and to qualify for the semi-final, whatever happens now is not going to change the result of Kiev. It's over," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.
 
Team news - Five changes for City

Man City v Borussia Dortmund (20:00BST)

Pep Guardiola has made five changes to the Manchester City side that beat Leicester City 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

John Stones, Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva all return to the side. Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus drop to the bench.

Borussia Dortmund make three changes after a 2-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

Nico Schulz, Thomas Delaney and Thorgan Hazard drop out of the starting XI, while Mateu Morey, Ansgar and Mahmoud come in.
 
Team news - Jota starts
Real Madrid v Liverpool (20:00 BST)

Liverpool make three changes to the team that won 3-0 at Arsenal. Diogo Jota, who scored twice after coming off the bench at the Emirates, starts in place of Roberto Firmino.

The other two changes come in midfield, with Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita replacing James Milner and Thiago.

All three dropped players are on the bench.

Real Madrid are without Sergio Ramos (calf) and Raphael Varane (Covid) and so Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao are paired at centre-back.

They make two changes from the side that beat Eibar, with Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr starting in place of Isco and Marcelo, both of whom are on the bench.
 
Looks like liverpools season is all but over. back to europa
 
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Man City with a slender lead.

Liverpool with an uphill task in the 2nd leg versus Real Madrid.
 
Real Madrid for me. It is in their blood to win this tournament.
 
Wow. PSG with 3 away goals at Bayern and a 3-2 1st leg win. This is a massive opportunity for PSG to knock the favourites and holders out of the competition.

If they pull this off, this will catapult them to clear favourites of the tournament. The winner of the Bayern-PSG tie will be the winner of the UCL.
 
Firebat said:
Wow. PSG with 3 away goals at Bayern and a 3-2 1st leg win. This is a massive opportunity for PSG to knock the favourites and holders out of the competition.

If they pull this off, this will catapult them to clear favourites of the tournament. The winner of the Bayern-PSG tie will be the winner of the UCL.
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Two not great sides. Bayern without Lewa and Gnabry were toothless; they win that game 6-2 otherwise. PSG are gonna nick the League but it'll be tight. Losc playing great
 
Quarter-final second legs

Tuesday 13 April

Paris vs Bayern (agg: 3-2)
Chelsea vs Porto (agg: 2-0)

Wednesday 14 April

Liverpool vs Real Madrid (agg: 1-3)
Dortmund vs Manchester City (agg: 1-2)

==

Mbappé on fire as Bayern fight for survival

'Serve chilled' was the classy headline in French sports paper L'Équipe after Paris's 3-2 first-leg win at Bayern, over a picture of Kylian Mbappé celebrating one of his two strikes in snowy Munich. It was a supremely composed performance from the striker, who is hoping to continue an exceptional goalscoring run in the return: eight goals in his last four UEFA Champions League matches. "I love this type of game," he said.

Bayern are a goal behind in Paris and still without their talismanic frontman Robert Lewandowski, but the European champions can take comfort in the fact that the first leg was something of an off-night. They had 31 shots on goal, and on another night might have converted four or five more of them. "Nobody could have had any complaints had we won 5-3 or 6-3," said Thomas Müller. "Somehow we shot ourselves in the foot. Now we have to come from behind."


Mendy guarding Chelsea's advantage

A 2-0 win in the 'away' leg looks slightly better on paper than in reality given that both legs of Chelsea's tie with Porto are being held in Seville, but given the Blues' form since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Porto have cause to feel slightly dispirited. In the first-leg win against the Dragons, Édouard Mendy kept the 13th clean sheet in 16 Chelsea games since the start of January.

Porto, though, can take courage from their performance against Chelsea, if not the scoreline. But for the lapses that led to the goals, coach Sérgio Conceição felt that his side had the measure of their opponents, and was not conceding anything. "We are in the middle of the tie so let's believe," he said. "The players were fantastic. We know Chelsea's strengths." Finding their weaknesses is more of a challenge.


Liverpool face Spain barrier again

For the third time in three seasons, Liverpool are going into the decisive leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie needing to win at home against Spanish opponents. The Reds' recent recovery continues to look fragile, and they have lost two of their last five European home fixtures, but Mohamed Salah's goal in Madrid has given them something to build on. "It gives us at least a lifeline," said manager Jürgen Klopp.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois knows that well, remarking: "It's a good position for us now, but we know Anfield is always a hard place to go." However, having won six of their last seven UEFA Champions League matches, the 13-time European champions will not necessarily be playing with their backs to the wall. Karim Benzema, meanwhile, needs just one more goal to join club legend Raúl González on 71 goals in Europe's top competition.


Haaland factor vs brilliance of De Bruyne

Dortmund could take plenty of pride from their performance in Manchester given the dire predictions that were made ahead of the first leg, and BILD knows that Erling Haaland's failure to score might be another bonus ahead of the second leg, writing: "Haaland has scored against every team he's faced in the Champions League. That means a goal against City is still to come."

However, even if the Norwegian is good for a goal against his father's old club, keeping a lid on this City side is an immense challenge for Edin Terzić's men. Kevin De Bruyne has laid on four assists in this season's UEFA Champions League on top of his two goals, and is feeling confident: "They're capable of causing us problems, but we also know we're good enough to go there and win."

Semi-finals

Bayern / Paris vs Man. City / Dortmund
Real Madrid / Liverpool vs Porto / Chelsea

Semi-final ties will take place on 27/28 April and 4/5 May.

Final

Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul: 29 May
 
ChTab said:
They will definitely end up in the top 4, they are just 3 points away from Westham at 4.
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WH are in form as are chelsea, LP will be third favorites to claim it, but with leicester crashing another spot has opened up, but i still expect leicester and chelsea to claim them.
 
Real are on fire but LFC are the kings of comeback.

60-40 in favour of RM .

If we get through to semis its going to be, Istanbul and Liverpool again. :)
 
KingKhanWC said:
Real are on fire but LFC are the kings of comeback.

60-40 in favour of RM .

If we get through to semis its going to be, Istanbul and Liverpool again. :)
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Madrid is no barsa to turn the tie that easily

And zidane know how to win these big knockouts game in ucl more than any present manager
 
KingKhanWC said:
Real are on fire but LFC are the kings of comeback.

60-40 in favour of RM .

If we get through to semis its going to be, Istanbul and Liverpool again. :)
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You're up against Madrid this time they have a pedigree in this tournament plus your 12th man isn't present this time just the other day you've scored your 1st goal from open play this year at Anfield.

So basically that tie is done & dusted.
 
Protea Fan said:
Madrid is no barsa to turn the tie that easily

And zidane know how to win these big knockouts game in ucl more than any present manager
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ChTab said:
You're up against Madrid this time they have a pedigree in this tournament plus your 12th man isn't present this time just the other day you've scored your 1st goal from open play this year at Anfield.

So basically that tie is done & dusted.
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Sure Madrid are favourites which I also said.

But we LFC fans have heard this for decades. If we were Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea, I'd rather sleep but we are the mighty Reds, if anyone can do it we can. Do watch :salah
 
Paris St-Germain were beaten on the night but held on to claim an away-goals victory over holders Bayern Munich that takes them through to the last four of the Champions League.

In a fascinating second leg between the sides that contested last year's final, PSG were threatening on the break, testing visiting goalkeeper Manuel Neuer a number of times and twice hitting the woodwork through Neymar.

It was Bayern, though, who broke the deadlock, giving themselves hope of a comeback win as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting rose highest to follow-up David Alaba's saved shot with a close-range header.

Missing the injured Robert Lewandowski, the German side lacked their usual ruthlessness up front and were unable to find the second goal that would have continued their trophy defence.

Kylian Mbappe thought he had sealed the tie with just over 10 minutes to go, but after breaking clear and firing in the assistant's flag ruled his effort out.

PSG will face either Borussia Dortmund or Manchester City in the semi-finals, with the latter holding a 2-1 advantage going into Wednesday's second leg in Germany.
 
Chelsea have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2014 thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win and despite Porto grabbing a late consolation goal in their quarter-final second leg.

Thomas Tuchel's men laid the groundwork in the opening tie a week ago, when Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell scored to hand the Blues two important away goals.

However, Mehdi Taremi netted a stunning overhead kick in stoppage time, but it was too late for Sergio Conceicao's side to stage a fightback.

Both legs of the quarter-final were played in Sevilla, Spain due to coronavirus travel restrictions between Portugal and the UK.

Chelsea will face either Real Madrid or Liverpool in the final four, with Real leading Jurgen Klopp's side 3-1 after the first leg.
 
Great results for PSG and Chelsea.

LFC can become 2nd most winners now if we do it this year.
 
PSG just about did enough but the absence of Lewandowski, especially in the first leg, was the difference maker.

Pep was right to part ways with Leroy Sane. He doesn’t have the mentality and the work ethic to be a top player.

All the talent in the world but no brains. Just like Ousmane Dembele.
 
Liverpool will be absolutely desperate tomorrow. Expect a lot of dives from Salah.
 
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said reaching the last four of the Champions League is a "great achievement" as the Blues moved into the semi-finals for the first time since 2014.

Chelsea will play either Liverpool or Real Madrid for a place in the final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Porto.

"We will become a strong side," he told BT Sport after his team lost the second leg 1-0 in injury time.

"We could not finish it off with a goal so we had to hang in there."

Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League when Tuchel arrived in January but he has guided them to within a point of the top four, the FA Cup semi-finals and now into a Champions League semi-final despite Mehdi Taremi's superb late winner in Seville, which hosted both legs of the tie because of coronavirus restrictions.

Tuchel was a beaten finalist with Paris St-Germain last year and would not be drawn on whether he would rather face Liverpool or Real - who have a 3-1 first-leg advantage.

"In general I like not to play against teams from your same league in the Champions League as it gives more of a feeling of a European competition but that is the only thing," he said.

"The Liverpool tie is far from over but I will watch it for sure.

"It is a pleasure to watch it as a semi-finalist, which is a great achievement. We will watch these games and everything is possible. Liverpool are very strong at home so we take what we get. It is a good situation for us."

Chelsea and Liverpool met in three epic semi-finals and a quarter-final in the space of five years between 2005 and 2009 but Jurgen Klopp's side will need another stirring Anfield comeback to set up a rematch later this month.

Chelsea have actually now reached more Champions League semi-finals than any other English side in the competition's history - eight - but have just one trophy to show for their efforts.

"On paper it's one of the worst Real Madrid teams in living memory, in terms of names and fear factor," former Blues and England goalkeeper Rob Green told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"But they do have a manager in Zinedine Zidane who gets it right in the Champions League.

"They have made it through and could get through again - they get it right at the business end. If you're Chelsea I do not know who you'd rather play."

"We will take anyone [in the semi-finals]," Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount told BT Sport.

"We're ready for the fight. We get to sit down and watch the Liverpool v Real game now and really analyse it. We will be ready for anyone.

"It's difficult to come in midway through the season but he [Tuchel] has had a big impact on the players.

"We have known from day one what he has wanted and implemented it in the games.

"We are working hard in training and it is showing. We are looking solid as a team. We have been performing at a high level. We need to continue that."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56741060
 
Yaar Liverpool have had a few good chances tonight. Madrid also hitting the post.

Liverpool could easily have a couple here. :(

Come on boys.
 
Real Madrid's three first-leg goals were enough to knock Liverpool out of the Champions League after a dramatic but goalless draw at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side needed to score two goals to go through after losing the first leg in Madrid 3-1.

But poor finishing cost them as they created chances to get back into the tie, Mohamed Salah and Georginio Wijnaldum having the best of them.

Real Madrid will face Chelsea, who beat Porto on Tuesday, in the semi-final.
 
Manchester City are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the second time after sealing victory over Borussia Dortmund in the last eight courtesy of comeback win in Germany.

Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, City found themselves needing to chase the tie when 17-year-old England international Jude Bellingham curled in a superb shot from the edge of the box.

Stung by the concession, the visitors threw everything they could muster at the German side, with Kevin de Bruyne smashing an effort off the bar before Mahrez saw a shot blocked on the line by the brilliant Bellingham.

The crucial breakthrough for City came early in the second half as Emre Can was penalised for handling in the box and Mahrez stepped up to fire his side ahead again in the tie.

Phil Foden sealed it, adding to the late goal he scored at the Etihad to give his side their first-leg lead with a fierce drive that found the Dortmund goal via the post.

City will face Paris St-Germain in the semi-finals, with the French side having eliminated holders Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

It is the first time City have reached the semis under current boss Pep Guardiola, who twice won the competition during his time as manager of Barcelona.

Their previous appearance in the last four came in 2015-16, when they were knocked out by Monaco in Manuel Pellegrini's final season in charge.

The defeat likely ends Dortmund's hopes of playing in next season's Champions League, with them fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
 
We should consider selling Salah. He just misses to many chances even if he is top scorer this season. Sticking to my prediction of Real Madrid winning the tournament.
 
So its down to the final 4!

PSG v Man City
Real Madrid v Chelsea

I'm calling a PSG-Chelsea final.
 
The first leg of the first semi-final kicks off tonight!

Real Madrid vs Chelsea

I rate Tuchel and I think Chelsea will get past Madrid.
 
Brilliant result for Chelsea tonight away to Real Madrid.

1-1

Away goal too. Must be favourites to go through to the final.
 
RM look like a very average team well past there best.

Chelsea would be thinking how they didnt win that,
 
After the scores drew level, RM literally "parked the bus".

At least Chelsea tried bringing in fresh legs in Werner and Ziyech and did attempt a few.
Werner can't afford to miss in Stamford Bridge as Real will come very hard now.

My vote goes to Chelsea
 
PetroDollars said:
RM look like a very average team well past there best.

Chelsea would be thinking how they didnt win that,
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Chelsea should have won the match, but we have seen this many times before. The teams with such experience like RM, they just do what they have to. Draw at home, now they will show nothing can beat experience and somehow win the away leg 0-1.
 
IAJ said:
Chelsea should have won the match, but we have seen this many times before. The teams with such experience like RM, they just do what they have to. Draw at home, now they will show nothing can beat experience and somehow win the away leg 0-1.
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chelsea have the away advantage, so unlikly.
 
PSG vs City tonight.

This is the real final to be honest, whoever wins this tie will win the final too. PSG would have to be favourites to do it.

However, Pep will be desperate to win. He has stated multiple times how much he wants to win the UCL at City to complete his legacy there, and if they get past PSG, he could very well realise that dream. Big big night for them.
 
As much as I want Real Madrid to get through, I have a horrible feeling Chelsea will edge through.
 
HALF-TIME
Paris St-Germain 1-0 Manchester City

A great half of football. Elite.

PSG hold the advantage thanks to that Marquinhos header but City are still in it and had a good chance at the end.
 
Well Man City have beaten PSG 2-1 away after a superb second half performance.

Looks like it could be an all English final.
 
Manchester City could have been forgiven for being haunted by ghosts of Champions League campaigns past in what threatened to be a traumatic night in Paris - instead they produced arguably their most significant result and performance at this elite level.

When Paris St-Germain dominated the opening 45 minutes of this Champions League semi-final first leg, City faced old doubts born of times they have fallen short in the latter stages in the past. They were, at times, uncharacteristically passive, although always in the game.

Neymar was in his element and PSG's constant threat was quickly turned into a lead when Marquinhos glanced home Angel di Maria's deadly corner after only 15 minutes.

The visitors kept their nerve, stood firm and slowly but surely rode out PSG's storm, growing in confidence and quality as the minutes ticked by.

And their resilience, allied to the sheer class of Pep Guardiola's team, resulted in a truly outstanding second-half performance that brought a fully deserved 2-1 win, two away goals in the bank and the best chance City have ever had of reaching the Champions League final.

All this comes with a warning.

This tie is not over by any stretch, despite City ending the game in Paris totally controlling affairs with PSG a ragged, undisciplined mess - as illustrated by Idrissa Gueye's awful late challenge on Ilkay Gundogan that saw the former Everton man sent off.

PSG now have six days to gather their thoughts and manager Mauricio Pochettino has form when it comes to Champions League semi-final comebacks after his involvement in Tottenham's remarkable revival from two goals down to win 3-2 with the last kick of the match against Ajax to reach the final in 2019.

Those previous disappointments of City's will now act as a shield against any possibility they may feel this is job done - and two names alone ensure vigilance will be vital.

Any team with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as its spearhead is capable of turning around a 2-1 deficit. Mbappe was quiet in Paris. There is no guarantee he will be similarly subdued at Etihad Stadium.

For City, though, this was a 90 minutes with the potential to be a landmark night, a transformative game, in their quest to win the Champions League, the trophy their Abu Dhabi-based owners want to claim above all others to confirm their status at European football's top table.

The Premier League leaders were up against a high-class side with two of the world's greatest forwards in Neymar and Mbappe and another high-class operator in Di Maria. They were on the back foot in those early phases.

In the past that might have led to City going under - not a bit of it here. They rose to the challenge and more besides. In the end the scoreline could have been even more convincing.

So is this the night City finally cleared the psychological barrier, the insurmountable hurdle, that was stopping them making that final leap to Champions League glory?

There is still work to be done, and history will tell City nothing can be taken for granted, but they have worked themselves into a superb position to face either Chelsea or Real Madrid in the final in Istanbul on 29 May.

They demonstrated maturity then quality to stay in the game. In the end they simply over-powered last season's beaten finalists.

Guardiola will have been encouraged by his side's improvement as the first half went on. They should have equalised when Phil Foden shot straight at PSG keeper Kaylor Navas but it was the catalyst for a stellar second half.

They pressed much higher up the pitch; full-backs Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo became more positive. They simply claimed possession and refused to concede it. If the first half was a struggle at times, the second was the complete package.

And so to next week.

It would be a surprise if City changed their approach in the second leg with the momentum and impetus with them, this win achieved without the use ofa conventional striker. Sergio Aguero was on the bench, where he was joined by Raheem Sterling, whose recent form has been indifferent.

PSG still pose a serious threat and there is no way City will be making arrangements for Istanbul, despite a performance that marks them down as huge favourites to progress to the final.

City need to apply the final touches before they can finally contemplate a place in their first Champions League final - but the foundations are now firmly in place after a glorious night in Paris.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56923908
 
We could see an all-English Final this year in CL if that happens I'll back Guardiola & City to win the CL.
 
Expecting Real Madrid to make a comeback. They have bounced back quite a few times this season.

My prediction is Real Madrid v Man City Final
 
Paris St-Germain face an anxious wait to see if Kylian Mbappe will be fit to face Manchester City in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.

The striker, 22, missed Saturday's win over Lens with a calf injury.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino says his top scorer will be monitored in training before a decision is made on his availability for the tie in Manchester.

"We need to assess Kylian," said the Argentine, whose side trail 2-1 from the first leg.

"Today he is going to start an individual training session and see if he can be with the team. There is still one day and we will see and decide if he is going to be available."

France international Mbappe has scored 37 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions this season, including eight in 10 Champions League matches.

PSG are looking to reach the final of the Champions League for the second year running, having lost to Bayern Munich in Lisbon last season.

To do so, Pochettino is urging his side to be more clinical than they were in the first leg in Paris.

"We will try to give trust and confidence to the players," he added.

"The intention is to deprive them of the possession but it is a challenge. They have played six years under the same philosophy with Pep.

"We are trying to get more balance. We need to be ready to suffer in some moments of the game. We need to be clinical and aggressive."
 
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Man City vs PSG (2-1) 2nd leg tonight. A massive fixture.

This game is essentially the final. A chance for Man City to finally get past a European semi-final and reach their first ever UCL final.

A chance for Pochettino's PSG to avenge last season's UCL final loss. A lot on the line for both sides.

Based on Man City's previous chokes, I would not be surprised to see PSG overcome that deficit at the Etihad.
 
City currently in a commanding position, can't see a way back for PSG.

It would be great to have City & Madrid in the final. Two managers who haven't lost a single CL final as a manager.
 
Praying for a Chelsea win tomorrow, can't have city winning treble, Chelsea have all the tools to beat city like they did in the fa cup semi-final
 
Manchester City reached their first Champions League final as they sealed a commanding 4-1 aggregate win over Paris St-Germain.

City won the first leg 2-1 and Riyad Mahrez's low shot stretched their lead at Etihad Stadium after Kevin de Bruyne's blocked effort.

Mahrez scored again in the second half, finishing off a rapid counter-attack by converting Phil Foden's low cross.

PSG ended the game with 10 men following Angel di Maria's red card.

Pep Guardiola's side need one win to become Premier League champions, having already won the Carabao Cup, and this victory keeps them on course for a treble.

They had gone out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the past three seasons and lost in the semi-finals in 2016, but a superb defensive display blunted Mauricio Pochettino's team.

City will be playing in only the second major European final in their history, after they beat Polish side Gornik Zabrze to win the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970.

Chelsea and Real Madrid, level at 1-1 after the first leg, play the second leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday (20:00 BST).

The final is in Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday, 29 May.
 
Pep just parked the bus after spending the last decade attacking managers who defend.
 
A massive game tonight. I'm backing Real to win the game because of their legacy in the tournament.
 
City outplayed PSG, walk in the park.

Chelsea have a great chance to meet them in the final.

City strong favourites, the treble is at touching distance now.
 
Hoping for chelsea win tonight. All english final on cards maybe
 
KingKhanWC said:
City outplayed PSG, walk in the park.

Chelsea have a great chance to meet them in the final.

City strong favourites, the treble is at touching distance now.
Click to expand...

City have missed the chance of winning the proper treble, i.e. PL, UCL, FA cup.

Losing the FA Cup semifinal to Chelsea was a really poor result which should not have happened. They simply failed to turn up on the day.

Winning all four trophies was possible and it would have been epic.

A treble consisting of Carabao Cup is still technically a treble but it has no value compared to the FA Cup.
 
Only Madrid stands between City and UCL glory now. If they do not turn the tables today, you may as well hand the trophy to Pep now.

City vs Chelsea final would be like Liverpool vs Spurs. There is no way Chelsea will beat City in the UCL final just like there was no chance of Spurs causing an upset.
 
Mamoon said:
City have missed the chance of winning the proper treble, i.e. PL, UCL, FA cup.

Losing the FA Cup semifinal to Chelsea was a really poor result which should not have happened. They simply failed to turn up on the day.

Winning all four trophies was possible and it would have been epic.

A treble consisting of Carabao Cup is still technically a treble but it has no value compared to the FA Cup.
Click to expand...

FA Cup is not as glamarous as it once was. Teams are now sending out 2nd XI's, apart from City who have a strong large squad to cope with all competitions.

FA Cup would have been better than League Cup but the double is the real huge achievment, winning the PL with ease and also taking the CL will put City as the no.1 club in the world, along with Pep being crownded greatest manager currently in the game.

If Chelsea beat Real, they have the XI to end this dream of city, it will be a great game to watch but id back City.
 
They joined to win it, but Neymar and Mbappe have to leave PSG to lift the Champions League

Pep Guardiola said ahead of Manchester City's first leg with Paris Saint-Germain that he believes Neymar would have won more Champions Leagues had he stayed at Barcelona.

And, he might have been right. On Tuesday, his City completed their elimination of Neymar's PSG in Manchester. In part due to misfortune and injuries, PSG have regularly fallen short in Europe, and they did so again in 2020/21.

They joined to win it, but Neymar and Mbappe have to leave PSG to lift the Champions League
Pep Guardiola is back. The City boss is in the Champions League final again after ten years away, having won both of those that he contested at Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.

Now he has the chance to win his third and draw level with Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti.

The final will be the first in City's history, and if they win it a lot of Guardiola's detractors will have to step back and give the Catalan some credit for his achievements.

Riyad Mahrez is a player for big matches. He proved that with Leicester City in 2015/16, and he's been doing it since joining Manchester City as well.

He delivered against Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund, and was decisive in both legs against PSG.

They joined to win it, but Neymar and Mbappe have to leave PSG to lift the Champions League
Angel Di Maria plays like few others on his day, but he lost his temper after PSG went two goals behind. He got into a silly fight and was sent off, rightly, for stamping on Fernandinho.

It might seem trivial, but City have a real attacking threat in Ederson. The goalkeeper's passing range is phenomenal, and allows them to spring sudden attacks, which led to the opening goal on Tuesday.

Keylor Navas' unbeaten record in Champions League knockout rounds is over. Finals excluded, he had won 13 in a row that he had started, and he is one of the goalkeepers who has won the competition the most times with three.

https://www.marca.com/en/football/champions-league/2021/05/04/6091b84346163f01708b46db.html
 
KingKhanWC said:
FA Cup is not as glamarous as it once was. Teams are now sending out 2nd XI's, apart from City who have a strong large squad to cope with all competitions.

FA Cup would have been better than League Cup but the double is the real huge achievment, winning the PL with ease and also taking the CL will put City as the no.1 club in the world, along with Pep being crownded greatest manager currently in the game.

If Chelsea beat Real, they have the XI to end this dream of city, it will be a great game to watch but id back City.
Click to expand...

FA Cup has obviously lost its luster, but an English club cannot do a proper treble without an FA Cup, because the EFL Cup will never be bigger than FA Cup and it has no value in European context because other major leagues do not have a second domestic cup.

But yes, the PL + UCL double is the real achievement.
 
Chelsea with a massive goal they lead 2-1 on aggregate. They only need to keep a CS to book their place in the finals.
 
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Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid

Its all over, we will have another all English final. :wg

Its going to be a great match too, City favs but Chelsea know how to beat them.
 
Chelsea defeated Real Madrid to set up an all-English Champions League final against Manchester City on 29 May.

After a 1-1 draw in Spain, Timo Werner, who earlier had a goal disallowed for offside, headed Chelsea ahead after Kai Havertz's chip rebounded off the bar.

Real's Karim Benzema had a low strike and a header superbly saved by Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

But Chelsea dominated the second half and Mason Mount scored late on from close range for a 3-1 aggregate win.

The showpiece in Istanbul will be Chelsea's third Champions League final, after they lost on penalties to Manchester United in 2008 and then beat Bayern Munich in another shootout in 2012.

Manchester City beat Paris St-Germain 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final on Tuesday to seal a 4-1 aggregate victory. It will be the second all-English final in three seasons after Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 in 2019.

The Europa League final could also feature two English sides as Arsenal and Manchester United play the second leg of their semi-finals against Villarreal and Roma respectively on Thursday.

Thomas Tuchel was only appointed Chelsea manager in January after replacing the sacked Frank Lampard and has also taken the Blues to an FA Cup final against Leicester City on 15 May.
 
Should be a great final.

City to get revenge for the Carabao Cup final defeat perhaps.
 
Chelsea have all the attributes to beat city, key area midfield, Kante could boss it
 
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