UEFA Champions League 2018-19: Which quarter-final ties could script history?
As the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 enters the business end, the draws for the quarter-finals were held on Friday. In the quarters, Ajax take on Juventus and Porto face Liverpool, while the big two that await are Manchester City taking on Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United locking horns with Barcelona. Let us analyze the two big matches.
Manchester United vs Barcelona: Paul Pogba vs Lionel Messi
United scripted an incredible turnaround against Paris Saint-Germain by beating them 3-1 in Paris to qualify for the quarters. However, their joy is about to be short lived as they have now a daunting task at hand, to face reigning Spanish champions Barcelona in the next match. Judging by the form of both Barca and United, this is a match to watch out for.
MU vs Barca: Rich history of the rivalry
As per head-to-head records, United have played 11 matches to date against Barca, with United winning three and losing four. Their last meeting was back in 2011 final, when Barca drubbed them 3-1, while United's last win against Barca came in 2008 semi-final, when United won 1-0 at Old Trafford. These teams have enjoyed an intense rivalry so far, with Barca being marginally ahead.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City: Harry Kane vs Sergio Aguero
While people were expecting an EPL match in the quarters, they did get one as the Spurs take on City. Tottenham dominated Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the pre-quarters (aggregate), City decimated Schalke 7-0 in the second leg at home. As the scoreline suggests, City are in lethal form, while Tottenham too are not keen on giving up and a mouth-watering quarter-final awaits.
Spurs vs City: Head-to-head record
Going by their head to head records, the two teams have played against each other 156 times, with City winning 61 and losing 60. Their last meeting was back in October last year in the EPL, which City won, whereas Tottenham's last win over City came in 2016. Further, this would be their first meeting in the UCL. Therefore, City are marginally ahead.
Who are the favourites for semis?
As for United vs Barca, the latter, despite not being a top force, have Messi, which makes them favorites. However, United are on roll and it would be futile to write them out. As for Tottenham and City, Spurs can always rely on Harry Kane, who is a big-match player, but City have an army and enter as clear favorites. Prediction: Barca and City.
