And then there were eight! The quarter-finals of the Champions League throw up some fascinating encounters this week. Desh Parthab looks at five players to keep an eye out for.
The Champions League returns to our screens this week. Some of our quarterfinalists have all of their eggs in the Champions League basket after enduring poor domestic results.
The Todd Boehly era at Chelsea could not have got off to a more chaotic start. The Blues are currently searching for their third permanent manager, with interim boss and club legend Frank Lampard having nothing to show for his first game in charge of the Londoners over the weekend. He faces Real Madrid this week.
There seems to be a grudge match bubbling in Italy. Just a fortnight ago, AC Milan dished out a merciless 4-0 defeat to table-topping Napoli. Gli Azzurri have the salt over their counterparts – winning 50% of their duels across their previous 20 encounters (W10 D5 L5).
Pep Guardiola makes the trip to his former Bavarian employers Bayern Munich who are currently led by Thomas Tuchel. I’m sure there will be no love lost between those two tacticians, with Tuchel being the man that stood between Guardiola and the UCL title in the 2020/21 season.
That said, let’s take a look at five players who could shoot the lights out this week!
Grealish’s Form A Concern For Bayern
Jack Grealish has been repaying the faith shown by Guardiola. In the English topflight. The dangerman has delivered attacking returns against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United this season – before he set up the first and netted the last of City’s 4-1 romp against Liverpool. Grealish will enter the Etihad on the back of two goals and Three assists across his previous three appearances across all competitions and will be confident of adding to that tally when City face Bayern.
Jack Grealish in 2023 (so far):
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 11, 2023
◾️ 19 Appearances
◾️ 4 Goals
◾️ 7 Assists
◾️ 119.2 Mins Per Goal Contrib.
𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠. 😍💙pic.twitter.com/S7iMdMckIl
Benzema’s Quest For Sixth UCL Title Continues
Karim Benzema was directly involved in all four of Madrid’s goals as they dismantled Barcelona at the Nou Camp. The veteran forward netted a hat-trick and supplied an assist as they booked their spot in the final of the Copa Del Rey. It is no secret that Los Blancos know their way around knockout competitions, but even the most ardent of critics would not have expected that performance. The Frenchman also comes alive at this stage of the tournament.
Benzema in the knockouts 🤌@Benzema || #UCL pic.twitter.com/XuLm6Vvjy5
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2023
Felix Key To Faltering Chelsea’s Hopes
Joao Felix may give the Lampard’s side the edge when the Londoners make the trek to the Bernabeu. The Atleti loanee forms part of a largely unflattering Chelsea outfit who have netted just three goals from open play across their four away league fixtures in the tournament. Despite this, Felix has come up against his cross town rivals six times throughout his career and I back him to get on the scoresheet this time of asking.
Joao Felix is genuinely the only attacker that makes Chelsea watchable and some fans think we shouldn’t keep him 🤣 pic.twitter.com/VaxOxZHGAR
— CarefreeLewisG (@CarefreeLewisG) April 7, 2023
Leao Back To Haunt Napoli?
Rafael Leao netted a brace in AC Milan’s annihilation of Napoli a couple of days ago. The Portuguese international will be licking his lips at another run against Southerners who are currently 16 points clear in the Serie A race. Across his eight appearances in the UCL this season, Leao has attempted 14 shots and created 14 shots, so keep an eye out for him.
Another Rafael Leão show incoming? 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/6gEqZ85hF6
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2023
Kvaratshkhelia And Napoli Plotting Revenge
Khvicha Kvaratshkhelia is tasked with keeping Napoli’s Champions League journey alive. The Italian football world was left speechless following Milan’s win over his table-topping Napoli side – with the injured Victor Osimhen not playing any part in that one. With the striker set to undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability, I expect Kvaratskhelia to be the main threat for Napoli when they face AC Milan.
Kvaratskhelia - Crazy season 22/23
— rayv (@Rayvinn7x) April 8, 2023
pic.twitter.com/B5MfMnubqQ
