What began with 32 competitors is now officially down to four. This tournament has been a roller coaster of a competition thanks primarily to surprising and unexpected results. In addition, there have been some major upsets, but quite frankly, without surprising results and huge upsets, there is no Champions League. The semi-finals begin in less than two weeks.
The final four competitors are Liverpool, Manchester City, Villarreal, and Real Madrid. Basically, it’s the English Premier League vs the Spanish La Liga. Furthermore, what’s really interesting is that the semi-finals will feature an English club taking on a Spanish club respectively. In other words, the final may feature a Spanish club vs an English club. In addition, there’s also a possibility that the final will be either all-English or all-Spanish. Anything can happen.
The Champions League semifinals are set 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vgpdNvUnry
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 13, 2022
Villarreal’s magical run
It’s not by luck that Villarreal is in the Champions League final four for the first time since 2006. It hasn’t been easy for them since nobody expected them to make it this far. Villarreal beat Juventus and Bayern Munich to make it this far, so the club has earned its respect. They are set to face Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Villarreal only had two shots on target across two legs vs. Bayern Munich, that’s all they needed 💀 pic.twitter.com/0qayUlK1mA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 12, 2022
All it took was two shots on target for Villarreal to get past Bayern Munich on a 2-1 aggregate score. No doubt, Liverpool will have their work cut out for them.
Manchester City’s determination
Out of the four remaining teams, Manchester City is the club with everything to lose, considering the team is more than perfectly capable of winning the title. Although that’s been the situation for several years now, so if Manchester City doesn’t get it done this time, that puts them as a team with all the talent that just can’t get it done. In other words, the club’s reputation will be negatively impacted if they don’t hoist the title.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the first manager to reach the Champions League final four a total of nine times. Guardiola is looking to win his third Champions League as manager.
▪️ Barcelona (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
▪️ Bayern Munich (2014, 2015, 2016)
▪️ Manchester City (2021, 2022)Pep Guardiola becomes the first manager to reach nine Champions League semifinals 👏 pic.twitter.com/g7GHZyILve
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 13, 2022
Real Madrid means business
Los Blancos’ quarterfinals clash with Chelsea speaks for itself. In what was a thriller of a clash, Real Madrid solidified themselves as worthy and deserving title contenders. The team’s resiliency and team chemistry can’t be unaccounted for. In addition, the team’s leadership and veteran presence is a major part of the team’s undeniable strength.
Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti is the first manager to lead a club to the Champions League semi-finals in four different decades. Real Madrid takes on Manchester City. Both clubs are always hungry for a challenge, so in this round, both will get what they desire.
Carlo Ancelotti is the first manager in history to reach the Champions League semi finals in FOUR different decades 💪 pic.twitter.com/JCikxhqD3U
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2022
Liverpool wants more
The Reds already won the EFL Cup. They’re currently in the FA Cup semi-finals now and still in contention for the Premier League title. Liverpool won’t stop. They’re always looking to add silverware to their illustrious trophy case. Liverpool is not the type of club to pass on a title-winning opportunity. In other words, Liverpool is always looking for a challenge, especially in competitive situations.
Liverpool knows they’re facing a worthy and respectable opponent in Villarreal. In addition, they know they’re in for a tough challenge. However, Liverpool thrives on tough challenges.
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