the Decision on the resumption of the season in the European competitions, UEFA has taken in mid-June. It is very important to mention a few things. First, before a pause, four teams managed to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League (Atletico Madrid, “RB Leipzig”, “Atalanta” and “Paris Saint-Germain”). Starting from the 1/4 finals all the remaining matches of the tournament will be held without spectators in Lisbon. The final will take place on August 23.
Return the four meeting of the 1/8 finals not held in time, will be finished at the end of this week. Manchester city will take in England, real Madrid, Juventus, Lyon, Bayern Munich will face Chelsea and Barcelona will compete with “Napoli”.
the Possible departure of real Madrid at the stage of 1/8 finals will be one of the surprises of the Champions League. “Royal club” has recently won three consecutive major European trophy. The Spaniards are at risk for the second season in a row to leave the competition in the first round of the playoffs.
But, unlike the previous spin, in the current real Madrid is coached by Zinedine Zidane. After three triumphs in a row in the Champions League in the summer of 2018 the Frenchman left his post. However, just a few months, he again took the helm of real Madrid. The return of Zidane turned out triumphal: by the end of last season, the team became champion of Spain, issuing destinatio winning streak in the end.
Another issue is that to pass Manchester city the Spaniards will be extremely difficult. “Citizens” motivated for the Champions League, which they did not surrender. This season the team of Josep Guardiola has failed to win any championship or Cup. And the only chance to assert itself and triumph in the European Cup.
people, and Guardiola knows how to beat real Madrid. At the time coach of Barcelona he has met with the Madrid team and won it. However, there were defeats. As at the helm of Bayern Munich and Manchester city.
– We have achieved a good result in the first leg. To win the “Santiago Bernabeu” – it’s worth it. But if the guys will look back on the outcome of the meeting, it will be difficult to pass on. Such great clubs as real Madrid can reverse the momentum. For us, Friday’s game will be the finale – said Guardiola.
In turn, Zidane believes that his team has a chance to reach the quarterfinals. But for this, according to the Frenchman in the second leg and have to fight to the last seconds.
real Madrid never gives up. Of course, I think about a comeback. Just need to fight till the last seconds and in any circumstance to believe in yourself. We proved to be excellent in the end of the season, won the title. I hope that during a short break, the guys have not lost the form. In General, we are all in for a fascinating match. In this you can be sure, – said Zidane.
August 7, Friday, Match TV
21.50 Manchester city – “Real”. Video stream.
