Fansided

Ranking the Champions League quarterfinal matchups

By Joshua Sutter

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League match between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid at Stadio San Paolo Naples Italy on 7 March 2017. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League match between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid at Stadio San Paolo Naples Italy on 7 March 2017. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PORTO, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 22: Dani Alves of Juventus (L) celebrates scoring the second goal to make the score 0-2 with Marko Pjaca during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Juventus at Estadio do Dragao on February 22, 2017 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 22: Dani Alves of Juventus (L) celebrates scoring the second goal to make the score 0-2 with Marko Pjaca during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Juventus at Estadio do Dragao on February 22, 2017 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /

3. Barcelona vs. Juventus

The rematch of the 2014-15 Champions League final is happening. Barcelona are mostly the same squad as they were in their victory of Juve. The Italians have spruced up their team by adding a few players including Gonzalo Higuaín, former Barca man Dani Alves, and Sami Khedira. They have remained consistently great in the Champions League and in Serie A since their loss to Barcelona.

What is interesting is that most of the lessons from two years ago from a Juve strategy perspective have to be thrown out. Juve’s midfield has completely changed, Pogba and Vidal are out. Resulting in a completely different playing style from the Italians. In my opinion it seems like the way they lineup without the two is more conducive to a Juve win.

In addition to the fact that Barca made a miraculous comeback against PSG, they’re also on great domestic form. They’ve won six out of seven in La Liga and are on their way to competing for another title. Juve have opened up an eight point lead in Seria A and haven’t had to worry all that much.

The Italians were strong and consistent against Porto in the round of 16. It was a classic Juventus performance. Solid defense, a strong attack, and classy saves from Buffon. The key matchup to watch is how Messi will play against Juve’s midfield. Recently Messi has played more of a roaming midfield player for Barca. His ability to compete and dominate the Juve midfield could decide the draw either way.

Home/Champions League