By Staff Writer: Adhithya Rajagopalan/AR
To read my Champions League RO16 preview, CLICK HERE
To read part 1 of this review, click HERE
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 POST-MATCH REVIEW PART 2
8 teams progressed to the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champions League this March. Below are my reviews for each of the last four matches that took place on 3/15 and 3/16.
MAN UTD 0 – 1 ATLETICO MADRID (1-2 AGGREGATE), 3/15
As one of the most even matchups this round, this second leg was always going to be tense. Both these teams deserved a spot in the quarterfinals, in my opinion, but their unpredictability and inconsistency in performance meant qualification for each would be as likely as a coin flip. In the end, it came down to who was able to put up a stronger defensive performance, as both sides seemed afraid to throw numbers forward for fear of an inevitable counter-attack. United have the better team on paper, but the side has quickly gained a reputation for their minimal chemistry and their inability to gel as a team, so after the first leg, an Atletico win seemed likely. It’s sad to see Cristiano, arguably the king of the Champions League, brought down by his mediocre team time and time again.
AJAX 0 – 1 BENFICA (2-3 AGGREGATE), 3/15
Another cagey affair with these two, as Benfica held out to advance. Initially, I had Ajax to win because of their in-form lineup, but their inexperience in Europe and in the Champions League especially, stemmed doubt. Among Gravenberch, Haller, and Antony’s youthful energy and Tadic and Berghuis’s experience, I expected at least a goal or two from the Dutch side but I was sorely mistaken. Ajax were constantly pressing the matter and dominated the match, but the brilliant and precise Benfica side managed to suffocate their attacks and counter well to get an unexpected but well-earned ticket to the quarterfinals.
JUVENTUS 0 – 3 VILLARREAL (1-4 AGGREGATE), 3/16
Before I dive into this train-wreck of a Juventus performance, I would like to praise Villarreal’s monumental form this season. They look poised to enter Europe again this season, and I would expect nothing less from a side that has been impressively consistent for most of the decade. This season especially however, there are many people to praise, firstly the management and higher-ups for their great signings and development, and secondly the squad. Much of the team has been recognizably stellar this season, namely Gerard Moreno, Pau Torres, Dani Parejo, and especially Arnaut Danjuma. Hats off for defeating expectations. Juventus on the other hand, have looked shaky all season. This hotly contested Serie A season has been trying for the Italian side, and there have been plenty issues, defensively especially. In seasons past, they were at least formidable in their defense, and this is a side that has known much success on the European stage, but as of late, they have become a laughingstock for their incompetence. This showing was simply a reflection of all their problems. While shocking, I hope this dismantling sparks much needed change for a club that deserves glory.
LOSC LILLE 1 – 2 CHELSEA (1-4 AGGREGATE), 3/16
For a Chelsea team that has been good but relatively inconsistent, this was a surprisingly strong showing against a side known for its swift and destructive counter attacks. They cleanly muffled Jonathan David and Jonathan Bamba for most of the game, and although the game was dangerous and on the ropes in the first half after Yilmaz’s 33 minute goal, they made sure to take the chances they were given in the second half to come back and put the tie beyond doubt. This type of clean showing from the title defenders promises deep progress into the competition.
The Quarterfinal matchups are listed below.
Benfica vs Liverpool, 4/5 and 4/13
Man City vs Atletico Madrid, 4/5 and 4/13
Bayern vs Villareal, 4/6 and 4/12
Chelsea vs Real Madrid, 4/6 and 4/12 – BEST MATCHUP
See you in the quarterfinals!