2-0 & 0-2
Not yet decided
OK - Here we go for the 2nd legs of the quarter finals - 1 game in Madrid & 1 game in Liverpool.
Madrid (Madrid currently leading 2-0)
Last Wednesday young defender Cubarsi got a red card that put Barca in a spot of trouble (They had won the previous weekend 2-1 at Atletico), reduced to 10 men Barca still put in a credible performance but couldn’t scrape a goal - the 1st goal from Argentinian striker Alvarez was knockout, what a strike from a free kick (plenty of speculation that Atletico may not be hold on to him after this summer’s World Cup)
Global Barca superstar Lamine Yamal who’s still only 18 years old has been talking up Barca this week to the point of “I’ll put the team on my shoulders and we’ll take care of business” - You might remember last week we commented on the mental torture he had put their left back through in the La Liga match - so Yamal will hope to be on fuego today - Lookout for Atleti hardmen Koke & Gimenez to literally try to kick him off the park. Barca has plenty of other capable deputies and Pedri rarely disappoints - up top Lewandowski and Rashford will be hoping for a strong night.
Your brain tells you Atletico - But the 1st goal will be crucial here. Must see tv.
Liverpool (PSG currently leading 2-0)
Another must see tv (those of you lucky enough to have split screen can actually watch both games at the same time) is the Parisiens parade at Anfield, where last year it was a high intensity/drama affair - Liverpool will be hoping for the same - but their form has dipped in recent times / A poor performance tonight could be the end of Arne’s Slot Machine Project - The little magical Egyptian will need to be at his best - A fine way to sign off on his legendary Liverpool career / Isak is creeping back into the team / But the output from the midfield has not been high octane enough in my opinion.
Anfield will be bouncing, a goal for the reds within the first 20/30 mins will make this terrific.
Speaking of terrific - PSG really are a fine young team - every single one of them from the midfield forward would walk into any of Europe’s top teams - If PSG score, then Liverpool will need 4 or penalties (They lost on penalties at Anfield last season) - That might be just too steep a hill to climb.
Last week Madrid v Bayern was high octane fun & excitement - Hopefully one of today’s matches does the same.
Enjoy today’s games
Respectfully Submitted
TC Soccerologist