The quarter finals of the Champions League is officially set, with eight teams vying for Europe's most glorious prize. While a favorite isn’t clear yet, the underdogs definitely are. Let's rank the remaining contenders.
The knockout round of the Champions League began Tuesday — a reminder of the absolute glory of the European competition, and a few matchups stood out against the rest.
To start the weekend, third-place Nottingham Forest hosted mid-table Brighton & Hove Albion. Both teams entered the match off losses — Forest was coming off a 5-0 thrashing from AFC Bournemouth, while Brighton lost 1-0 on a penalty to Everton.
Coming into the 2024-25 season, all soccer fans seemed to agree on one thing: Real Madrid’s squad is scary. Madridistas were enthusiastic, while other fans feared facing them.
The Champions League's influence on individual awards was diminished Monday when Manchester City’s Rodri won the Ballon d’Or player of the year award over Vinicius Junior in a ceremony organized by France Football magazine and UEFA.
With the new Champions League format in full swing, the season has sparked much conversation around the number of matches players are expected to play. Now, 36 teams are competing instead of 32. In a league system where each team plays eight games, the old group stage is replaced with eight groups of four teams.
The new Champions League format means more teams, more games and more exciting matchups — and it all starts today.
So, what matches should fans pay close attention to?
It is safe to say that last time Real Madrid visited the Etihad Stadium, they left unhappy.
Even though it seems like a lifetime ago, it has just been one year since Manchester City humiliated Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
Last time Barcelona claimed the Champions League title, Luis Enrique managed the team from the sidelines with Xavi Hernandez as his captain.
Today, almost ten years later, the situation looks different.
The Champions League quarter final stage is when the intensity ramps up. With a big part of the season behind us, every team that is still in the competition poses a real threat.
The Champions League quarter finals draw took place last Friday and left spectators with some interesting matchups, but it’s no surprise that all of the knockout stage games are compelling. At the end of the day, it is a competition between the best of the best.
