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) /
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DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 04: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the goal to the 3:1 together with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Signal Iduna Park on March 04, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 04: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the goal to the 3:1 together with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Signal Iduna Park on March 04, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

2. Monaco vs. Dortmund

I surprised myself picking this draw over the Barca vs. Juve draw. However, when looking at the on field matchups, my interest was piqued with Monaco and Dortmund. The talent that is in the game is unlike anything we’ve seen from a future perspective. There are multiple future superstars playing in this matchup. Both teams have a plethora of talent, including Christian Pulisic, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé,  Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Thomas Lemar, and more.

Giving young players a platform isn’t something that every team can do. Both of these teams have given players a platform, and they have exceeded expectations. Dortmund started off slow in domestic competition, but they have started playing much better as of late. Health has been their biggest opponent. Losing Mario Gotze and Marco Reus has made life difficult. But with Christian Pulisic, Ousmane Dembélé, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in great form, their absence has been less difficult.

Monaco are scoring at a record pace. At 84 goals thus far in their Ligue One campaign, they’re scoring at a breakneck pace and are incredibly entertaining. They dismantled a Manchester City team in each other their games scoring three in each leg. This matchup has the potential to be incredibly exciting and fast paced. Youthful exuberance and great crowds make these two sides a joy to watch. Enjoy this tie as a look into the future of soccer.

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