The semi-finals of this season’s Champions League are set. What started with 32 competitors is now down to just four. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Out of these four clubs, two have never won the title before. Real Madrid happens to be the club with the most titles with a total of 13. Besides, Los Blancos is one of three clubs in the competition’s history to win the title three straight times.
Chelsea takes on Real Madrid. Paris Saint-Germain takes on Manchester City. Chelsea and Los Blancos are truly dark horses in this tournament. On the other hand, PSG, and Manchester City have been favorites to win it all since the beginning of the tournament. This is Chelsea’s eighth appearance in the Champions League semi-finals, which is the most by an English club.
8 – @ChelseaFC have reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the eighth time, more than any other English side in the competition’s history. Accustomed. pic.twitter.com/kjpVJE8JmJ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 13, 2021
Les Parisiens eliminated the defending champions Bayern Munich 3-3 on aggregate, advancing via the away goals rule. A great show of resiliency played a major role in PSG eliminating Bayern Munich. However, PSG was lucky enough that Bayern Munich was without Robert Lewandowski, however, regardless of Lewandowski’s injury, Bayern Munich still could have advanced. Aside from the resiliency, the solid defending really played a big part in PSG’s advancing. PSG’s elimination of Bayern Munich marks the first time in the competition’s history where the previous season’s finalist eliminates the defending champions. A small taste of revenge for Les Parisiens.
1 – PSG’s elimination of Bayern Munich tonight is the first instance in Champions League history of the previous season’s losing finalists eliminating the holders in the knockout stages. Revenge. pic.twitter.com/Q5rc6oQLtu
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 13, 2021
Real Madrid’s eliminating of Liverpool truly shows that Los Blancos are showing signs of its old dominant form. Since winning its third title in a row in 2018, Los Blancos have not been able to find its groove. Real Madrid is still in contention for the La Liga title and for the first time since the 2007/2008 season, they won both El Clasico games. The team has found some motivation, but it’s up to them to keep it. Liverpool hasn’t been doing very well overall, and Real Madrid took advantage of it. Team chemistry played a major role in Real Madrid’s elimination of Liverpool. Resiliency, as well, especially since Los Blancos played both games without two key defenders.
Manchester City’s elimination of Borussia Dortmund comes as no surprise. Manchester City is loaded with talent. However, talent isn’t the main reason for the team’s success. Manchester City’s success is due to the team’s unique team chemistry and winning mentality. Resiliency plays a big role as we saw in both legs. In the last several years, the club’s elimination was in a humiliating fashion. The club is determined to rectify past mistakes and bring home its first title. The club looks stronger than ever. More importantly, they’re more focused than ever.
Chelsea is certainly continuing to survive. Eliminating Atletico Madrid and Porto certainly wasn’t easy for them. However, credit to them as their unique concentration allowed them to make an impact. Chelsea has certainly done quite well under the managing of Thomas Tuchel. They’ll have their hands full against Real Madrid, but anything can happen. The Blues have fought and earned their way to the final four. Real Madrid cannot take them lightly.
For the first time there will be two Americans in the Champions League semifinals 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/c6VJjwzpql
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 14, 2021
Who Are The Favorites To Make The Final?
Realistically speaking, Paris Saint-Germain has to be the heaviest favorite since the club is loaded with talent. However, it’s the club’s mentality and team chemistry that comes to question. Besides, the team’s resiliency also comes into question. Les Parisiens are known to crumble under pressure. They’ve eliminated Barcelona and Bayern Munich, which means they’ve played under tremendous pressure the entire knockout stage. However, PSG has been able to counter the pressure thus far. They’re facing the same situation in Manchester City as they did against Bayern Munich. Manchester City maintains a winning mentality, as well as resiliency. Therefore, the question is whether not they can keep doing it. That remains to be seen.
As far as Real Madrid and Chelsea go, it’s difficult to be sure since it can truly go either way. For both Chelsea and Real Madrid, it’s no fluke and it’s certainly not luck for the reason that they’ve made it this far. It’s honestly because both clubs are very good. It’s the 14th time, Los Blancos have reached the semi-finals, which is the most of any club in Champions League history.
The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals is April 27th. Real Madrid will welcome Chelsea to the Spanish capital. Paris Saint-Germain will welcome Manchester City to the French capital.
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