In a mouthwatering result for football fans, Manchester United will take on Barcelona in a clash of heavyweights, while Liverpool fans got a dream draw with their Reds to take on Porto. There’s also a massive clash of Premier League giants with Manchester City and Spurs to face off in the last eight. Leaving Ajax to take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus in the other tie. The dates declared are as follows:
Quarter-finals Leg 1: April 10 and 11
Quarter-finals Leg 2: April 18 and 18
Semi-finals Leg 1: May 1 and 2
Semi-finals Leg 2: May 8 and 9
Final: June 2 at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.
Here's a look at what the heavy weights are upto.
JUVENTUS
Juventus’ off-season move to sign Cristiano Ronaldo was intended to end a 23-year wait for a third European title.
It’s working so far.
Ronaldo delivered another career-defining performance, scoring a hat trick against Atletico Madrid to overturn a 2-0 first-leg loss. His legal issues in the United States, where he has been accused of rape, seemed a world away. Ronaldo is looking to join Seedorf as the only players to win the European Cup or Champions League with three different clubs. Veteran Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, along with coach Massimiliano Allegri, just want a first title after losing in the final in 2015 and ‘17.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Twenty years after scoring the winning goal for United in a Champions League final, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to lead the team to the title as manager. After his understrength team’s amazing comeback at Paris Saint-Germain from a 2-0 first-leg loss, who would bet against them?
There’s a “nothing to lose” feel about United, which was a huge outsider when qualifying for the knockout stage under Jose Mourinho.
Solskjaer has restored some of the team’s belief and attacking swagger in three months in charge, especially Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku. It might not be enough for a fourth European title but it should be fun watching.
BARCELONA
Barcelona thrashed Lyon, 5-1, on Wednesday, Barcelonadefeated Manchester United in the 2009 and 2011 CLfinals. Lionel Messi scored in both games. Barcelonawas running a series of polls on theirwebsiteasking fans who they want and who they don't want in the draw. it seems that the Cules definitely want to avoid Pep Guardiola'sManchester city. However they seem to be somewhat torn over coming up againstJuventusand that man Cristiano Ronaldo,The team Barca fans are really hoping for though, isPorto. But looking at the form this season, it sure is gonna be one hell of a match.