What a couple of days it has been! Four Champions League games were played as we draw closer to the quarter finals stage. Four more games remain to determine who progresses further.
Ajax and Manchester United produced masterclasses to eliminate Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain respectively. These are the nights that are going to be etched in the fans for a long time. Manchester United fans will always remember ‘that’ night in Paris. It will be a phrase that will pop up in numerous fan arguments with opposition fans for sure.
On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund hosted Tottenham at Westfalenstadion in front of the mighty yellow wall. However, they could do nothing to overturn a 3-0 first leg loss. Harry Kane scored the solitary goal of the night to confirm a 4-0 win to secure quarter final advancement.
Tuesday’s match of the day was definitely Ajax’s demolishing of Real Madrid. Another Dutch masterpiece that will be remembered for years. A group of young hungry players overturned a 2-1 loss as they embarrassed Real Madrid to a 4-1 loss and 5-3 aggregate at the Santiago Bernabeu. Former Southampton attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic was on top of his game as he secured a goal and couple of assists.
Also note that defender Sergio Ramos earned a deliberate yellow card thus suspension in the name of a ‘small team’ Ajax. To pile on the injury to youngster Vinicius Junior. Former Champions League winners Real Madrid are in crisis for sure that can only be solved by a squad reshuffle and a great manager.
On Wednesday, Roma traveled to Fc Porto with a 2-1 advantage. However, Porto were able to turn the score around and win 3-1 in extra time courtesy of an Alex Telles 117th minute penalty. Porto proceed to the quarters at Roma’s expense.
Final game was however the best yet. PSG were able to bottle a 2-0 away goals and lose 3-1 to an injury-hit Manchester United at the Parc des princes. For sure they have cemented their place as Europe’s biggest bottlers. To be honest United’s play was not attractive as PSG controlled the game for most of the time, but the end product is what matters and they did the unthinkable and secured a quarter finals spot.
Memories of the 6-1 home loss to Barcelona spring to mind thinking of PSG. A dream start from the Red Devils was the case as they halved the deficit when Lukaku collected a mispass from PSG defender Thilo Kehrer to slot one home at the 2nd minute of the game. Juan Bernat put the Parisians back level from a Mbappe cutback. Rashford fired a hard shot at Buffon and the veteran was unable to control it as in-form Lukaku pounced on the loose ball to put United back ahead.
Scenes unfolded as VAR awarded United a penalty in extra time as PSG defender Kimpembe was judged to have handled the ball with his hand. Marcus Rashford stepped up and made no mistake from the spot with a hammer in the top corner. PSG eliminated. What a night for United fans.
Next week Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon and Manchester City feature. A half of the entertainment we have seen this week will be enough. Oh yeah, Liverpool will lose.
