The Champions League returns tonight with two spectacular quarter-final matches, where everything remains open.
Barcelona and Liverpool will try to overturn identical 0:2 defeats from their first matches, against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, in an evening that promises great emotions and drama until the end.
Atletico Madrid – Barcelona: Difficult mission for the Catalans at the “Metropolitano”
Barcelona travels to Madrid with a clear objective: to overturn the disadvantage from the first leg. A challenge that promises maximum intensity, given that the confrontations between these two teams this season have been frequent and always hard-fought.
Atletico comes with a two-goal advantage and the support of the home crowd, while coach Diego Simeone is expected to rely on defensive organization and quick counterattacks, writes "Gazeta Express".
Madrid captain Koke stressed the importance of the match: "It's a crucial week for us. We want to reach the semi-finals and we are completely focused."
On the other hand, Barça coach Hansi Flick still believes in a comeback, relying on his team's attacking quality.
Pau Cubars' red card changed everything in the first game.
Atletico are aiming for their first Champions League semi-final in nearly nine years. Both teams have produced goals in their head-to-head encounters this season.
The upset remains difficult, but not impossible for Barcelona, who will try to attack from the start and exploit the quality of players like Lewandowski and Yamal.
While Atletico will look to manage the score and strike on the counterattack.
Liverpool – PSG: “Anfield” seeks another European miracle
At Anfield, Liverpool will face a similar mission: overturning a 0-2 deficit to reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Arne Slot's team was dominated in the first leg in Paris, where PSG was much more dangerous and concrete in the attacking phase.
Coach Arne Slot is optimistic before the game: "If we put in a perfect performance, anything is possible," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique has warned his team to beware of the Reds, who know how to make big comebacks.
In the first leg, Liverpool failed to score a single shot on target. But the Reds are formidable at home, having scored 2+ goals in 36 of their last 50 home games.
On the other hand, PSG has won several consecutive matches away from home without conceding a goal.
PSG is considered the favorite to qualify with around a 60% chance.
However, the Anfield atmosphere could be the deciding factor for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, PSG will rely on counterattacks and the form of offensive players like Kvaratskhelia.
So, there will be two matches with two similar stories: great teams looking for an upset against rivals who have taken a significant advantage in the first meetings.
Barcelona and Liverpool must risk everything, while Atletico Madrid and PSG are just one step away from the semi-finals.
An evening where the Champions League promises a guaranteed spectacle. /Express newspaper
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