PSG vs Liverpool — defending champions vs Premier League title holders
This is the most prestigious quarter-final tie. PSG, who won the Champions League last season with a stunning 5:0 final win over Inter, face Liverpool — the Premier League champions. The Parisians are building momentum with every game, and Kvaratskhelia is in outstanding form. Liverpool, after a difficult spell in domestic football, look like a different team in Europe — a comfortable 4:1 aggregate win over Galatasaray is proof of that. The battle between Mbappe and Van Dijk promises to be epic.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich — a classic European heavyweight clash
Real, coming off a demolition of Man City (5:1 on aggregate), face a Bayern side that tore apart Atalanta 10:2. Both teams are in superb form. Valverde vs Kane, Vinicius vs Olise — this is going to be a festival of attacking football. Real have never lost a European tie after winning the first leg by three goals, but Bayern boast one of the best defensive records in Europe this season.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid — the derby on Camp Nou soil
The all-Spanish tie could be the most heated quarter-final of the lot. Barcelona, fresh from a 7:2 thrashing of Newcastle, are playing total football under Hansi Flick. Atletico Madrid, however, are masters of organised, defensive football and capable of surprising anyone. Lewandowski vs Griezmann, Yamal vs Reinildo — a clash of styles and generations. Szczesny is expected to start in goal for Barca following an injury to Joan Garcia.
Sporting vs Arsenal — the giant-killers vs the Premier League leaders
The most unexpected quarter-final pairing. Sporting, who dramatically overturned a 0:3 deficit against Bodo/Glimt, face Arsenal — the current Premier League leaders. The Gunners have match-winners like Rice and Martinelli, but Sporting have proved they can shock anyone.
First legs take place on April 7-8, second legs on April 14-15. The final is scheduled for May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.