The magnificent first act of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final show was provided by football stars. The fans were delighted with 18 goals scored, constant twists and turns and hot intrigue in all the duels before next week’s return matches, in exemplary lessons of individual and collective mastery in four games.
Although one might think the opposite after such high-scoring games, Barcelona head coach Xavi first praised the team’s defensive work after the 3-2 win in Paris. “Saint Germain is currently one of the best teams in Europe. When should I be proud of my team, if not after a game like this?” The coach especially highlighted the performance of the young players of the club’s academy. 16 and 17-year-old Lamine Jamal and Pau Kubarsi became the youngest ever participants of the quarter-finals in the history of the Champions League. Together with veterans Robert They reminded Lewandowski (35) and Ilkay Gindegan (33) in Paris of the former glory of the Barcelona club, which culminated in five titles in the tournament. Xavi’s substitutions worked flawlessly – Denmark defender Andreas Christensen scored the winning goal on his 28th birthday with his first touch, before Pedri put Rafinha in position to score his second in the first attack after coming on.
Before returning to his longtime home in Barcelona, Paris club coach Luis Enrique did not hide that the second leg would be like a final for his team. The representatives of the other seven clubs can also prepare for next week’s matches in a similar mood, because in none of the pairs the competitors are separated by more than one goal. The semi-finalists will be announced on Tuesday in Barcelona and Dortmund, and on Wednesday in Munich and Manchester.
Football. Champions League, quarter finals
Real Madrid (Spain) – Manchester City (England) 3:3 (Diass 12th (sv), Rodrigu 14th, Valverde 79th – Silva 2nd, Fodens 66th, Gvardiols 71st)
London Arsenal (England) – Bayern Munich (Germany) 2:2 (Saka 12., Torsar 76. – Nabrí 18., Kane 32. (11 m))
Paris Saint-Germain (France) – Barcelona (Spain) 2:3 (Dembelē 48., Vitinja 51. – Rafinja 37., 62., Kristensens 77.)
Atletico Madrid (Spain) – Borussia Dortmund (Germany) 2:1 (From Pols 4., Lino 32 – Alērs 81.)
16., 17.IV return games
