After the goal fest that occurred Tuesday, are we in for another high scoring day on Wednesday? Most likely no, but these remaining two games in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals are very close and any two of the four have a chance to advance.
Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu – 2:45 et – FOX Sports 1/FOX Deportes
With a scoreless first leg, this series comes down to this game and is a pivotal point in these rival Madrid teams. The talk will be about Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is on the hot seat at Real. A loss and elimination here will all but certain get him sacked in the summer.
For Atletico Madrid, they have the luxury of being able to go completely for the Champions League. They aren’t out of the La Liga title race but are pretty far back and it’s crazy to expect Real Madrid and Barcelona to drop seven and nine points respectfully. Real is two points behind and has to still concentrate on both competitions. While Real Madrid has the talent to be able to do that, never underestimate a team who can focus on on one instead of two competitions.
Monaco 0-1 Juventus – Stade Louis II – 2:45 et – FOX Sports 2/ESPN Deportes
The de facto Serie A champions have pretty much only the Champions League to concern themselves about. It’s only a matter of time before Juventus lifts the domestic trophy, they are just 90 minutes until heading for the Semifinal for the continental trophy.
For Monaco, they have been fiscally responsible and have been consistent in every competition they have played. There’s no doubt that they aren’t the most talented team left in the Champions League but they are finding ways to win and advance. The big question is, can they come back an keep the dream alive?
Predictions
Phillip – Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid: 1-1 (1-1 agg. Atletico advances on away goals)
It’s strange, with the 0-0 score, Atletico Madrid actually has the advantage to advance if they were to score once. I can’t see Atletico holding Real to a clean sheet but a 1-1 draw will provide Atletico with the upset it needs.
Monaco v. Juventus: 0-0 (0-1 agg.)
This has all the makings of a 0-0 game and Juventus won’t mind that at all.
Andy – Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid: 1-1 (1-1 agg. Atletico advances on away goals)
These two teams hate each other, the fans don’t like each other and so on…but this rivalry gets a brand new chapter when Atletico goes in to the Nou Camp and steals a victory with a second half equalizer that gives them the all-important away goal. This is easily the game I’m most looking forward to in the return legs of these ties.
Monaco v. Juventus: 2-0 (2-1 agg.)
While Juve seems to be a good dark horse pick to win this entire Champions League, it’s hard to not see the French side going through here. There’s just something magical happening and look for it to continue in this tie.
Jeff – Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid: 1-0 (1-0 agg.)
It’s going to be a tough game to watch and losing Benzema and Modric will hurt Real but I think either James or Ronaldo will come up big for them. Atletico will set up to frustrate Real and try to pip one on the counter.
Monaco v. Juventus: 1-2 (1-3 agg.)
I don’t think this Monaco squad has enough in it to win this tie. I think this is the weakest pairing at this stage.
Evan – Real Madrid v. Atletico Madrid: 2-1 (2-1 agg.)
Real steals both of these goals early to book their ticket to the semis. Atletico Madrid takes one back in the second half but can’t get the second one to win on away goals. This is going to be a fiesty contest with multiple yellow cards.
Monaco v. Juventus: 1-1 (1-2 agg.)
This game is going to be a low scoring affair. Juventus will struggle most of the game until the last few minutes of the game where they find the equalizer and the game winning goal on aggregate.
