We’re down to the final eight clubs in the UEFA Champions League with the first legs of the quarterfinals kicking off this week.
Some teams have been dubbed Cinderella clubs for making it this far. Others have grandiose expectations beyond this stage. Most of these matchups are intriguing because it pits two teams with opposing styles against one another, and that could make for entertaining viewing.
With this in mind, here is a statistical breakdown for each Champions League quarterfinal matchup.
Ajax vs. Juventus
This could turn out to be the most intriguing matchup in the quarterfinals. Cristiano Ronaldo, Giorgio Chiellini and Emre Can are all doubts for the first leg on Wednesday. This could present a fantastic opportunity for Ajax to build a sizeable lead.
Ronaldo will likely start, but either way, Ajax will need to lean heavily on Dusan Tadic in the first leg. Only Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi (eight) have scored more goals than Tadic (six) in the Champions League this season.
Frenkie de Jong will also be crucial for Ajax. The Barcelona-bound midfielder is the definition of “complete” in every sense of the word. He can defend, recover possession and distribute so calmly, which will be imperative against Juve.
Another youngster who has been impressing of late is Moise Kean. The Juventus youngster is on a scoring streak for the ages and might come in handy off the bench if needed.
Barcelona vs. Manchester United
One look at this tie and it’s obvious where it could be won or lost: Manchester United’s defence.
United hasn’t kept a clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with Liverpool back on Feb. 24, seven matches ago. It won’t be any easier against one of Europe’s most lethal attacks, either.
Barcelona enters this quarterfinal with an unbeaten streak of 16 consecutive matches across all competitions. The Blaugrana have racked up 40 goals in that span as well.
Most goals scored in LaLiga so far this season:
• Barcelona (81)
• Real Madrid (55)
• Messi & Suárez (53)
• Sevilla (49)
• Atletico (45)Quite simply ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/9vAnoOhtpk
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 6, 2019
If Manchester United can withstand the siege, then they could spring another surprise in the knockout stage but this looks like a grandiose task.
Tottenham vs. Manchester City
Tottenham and Manchester City are experiencing differing runs of form at the moment, and it’s largely due to the respective attacks.
Tottenham’s expected goals (xG) totals are more than half of Manchester City’s over the last six Premier League matches. Outside of the win over Crystal Palace on Apr. 3, Spurs have been lacking in the final third, especially in comparison to Manchester City.
Even at the back, Tottenham are allowing big scoring opportunities for the opposition. Manchester City has done nothing of the sort in the same span. Spurs have faced stronger opposition, but the game-by-game xG totals aren’t very encouraging.
The flanks will be crucial in this matchup, especially given who occupies those spaces. Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez both have four assists in the Champions League this season, while Raheem Sterling is also among the leaders in key passes, via WhoScored.com.
Liverpool vs. Porto
There are two crucial individual showdowns in this matchup and the most enticing features a pair of attackers.
Sadio Mane will try to build on his impressive goal-scoring record in the Champions League. Nine of his 13 goals for Liverpool have come in the round of 16 or later. His adversary, Moussa Marega, enters this quarterfinal in top form as well, having scored in six consecutive matches in the competition.
At the other end of the pitch, Virgil van Dijk remains crucial to Liverpool’s success. Everyone is aware of the Dutch defender’s dominance but one glance at his underlying numbers demonstrates just how ridiculous of a season he’s having.
Not only is he defensively sound, but van Dijk is contributing greatly to Liverpool’s build-up play. His expected goals build-up (xGBuildup) is up there with the best playmakers in the Premier League.
Porto will be without Pepe (suspended), so Real Madrid-bound defender Eder Militao should move from right-back to centre-back as a result. The numbers don’t jump off the page but he’s very composed and rarely commits an error.
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