Two great clashes between European giants will kick off the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night. In London, high-flying Arsenal welcome struggling Bayern Munich, while in Madrid, trophy-record holders Real host reigning European champions Manchester City. Both matches start at 22:00 Bulgarian time.
Arsenal have not reached the quarter-finals of Europe's most prestigious club competition for 14 years, but under Mikel Arteta they are having a great season and lead the Premier League table. The Gunners went on penalties to eliminate Porto in the round of 16, but look in top form and go into the clash with Bayern as favourites, although the last knockout clash between the two teams in 2015/16 ended in a crushing victory for the Bavarians with 10:2. However, Bayern are having one of their weakest seasons this century and have already surrendered the Bundesliga title, with the team in danger of ending the campaign without a trophy for the first time in 12 years. However, class and experience are on the side of the Germans, and Harry Kane keeps scoring goals.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Real will seek revenge for the loss to Manchester City in the semi-finals of last year's edition of the tournament. Then the first match in Madrid ended in a 1:1 draw, but in the second leg, the "citizens" beat their famous rival 4:0. City have not been as impressive this season, although they still have a chance to repeat their historic treble from last campaign. Real are also not showing a particularly strong game, but they are walking confidently towards the title in Spain and, as always, they are a nightmare in Europe.
"It is very important to be at the top level, the mental aspect is very important. We had time to prepare for this match, we are prepared very well. I am confident that we will give our best and that we have the qualities to oppose," he shared Ancelotti at the press conference on Monday.
The return matches of the two matches will take place next week - on April 17. /BGNES
