Matches starting this week will determine if English clubs would do a repeat of their staggering performance in 2019 and win both the Champions League and the Europa League in 2021 and be one up on Spain once again. The Iberians have won the Champions League five times since 2010 as against England’s two. As for Europa League, Spain has been the champion seven times, while the English have taken home the cup thrice.
English clubs dominated both Champions League and Europa League last week. Manchester City came from behind to defeat French champion Paris St. Germain 2-1 in the French capital. Chelsea, for large parts, outplayed Real Madrid but could only manage a 1-1 draw. However, they will be more than satisfied with the result in Madrid, knowing that they grabbed the elusive ‘away goal’ and that the next game will be played at their home in Stamford Bridge.
In the Europa League, Manchester United outclassed Italian giants AS Roma 6-2 in Manchester. Arsenal was, however, the only English side to taste defeat. They were bested by Villareal. Nevertheless, even they will be pleased with their effort in Spain – they played with ten men for the majority of the game and could score an away goal that may well prove to be decisive.
In the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals this evening, Manchester City takes on Paris St. Germain in the French capital. Though PSG is likely to come with all guns blazing, I think Manchester City should be able to blunt their home advantage. This, coupled with their first-leg advantage, should see City go through. Prediction: Manchester City advance
Chelsea has their return date with Real Madrid on Wednesday. I fully expect another defensive affair, and it is the most challenging tie to predict. Chelsea’s away goal will prove to be the deciding factor and send the blues to their third Champions League final. Prediction: Chelsea advance
The Europa League matches take place on Thursday night. Manchester United make the trip to Rome on the back of their almost insurmountable 6-2 lead. This is by far the easiest tie to predict, and it would take a brave man to bet on Roma. Prediction: Manchester United advance
The final match sees Villareal head to London to take on Arsenal. The gunners were fortunate to escape from El Madrigal with just a 2-1 deficit, and we should expect a much better performance from them at the Emirates. Villareal is undoubtedly a better team, and the first leg advantage should see the yellow submarine in the final. Prediction: Villareal advance
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