By Emmanuel Ebimoh
The most prestigious club football competition in the world – UEFA Champions League – enters the quarter final stage today. For seven months, top teams in different European leagues have been slugging it out on the football battlefield, aiming for progress and glory. 32 teams started the competition in September last year, some as favourites for the trophy, others as just contenders. So far, it would seem that the separation of the elite has been made, the boys have been separated from the men. Tonight, the clashing of swords and the celebrations of goals will be heard across Europe as the quarter-finals of the UCL kicks off.
Liverpool coach, Jurgen Klopp has dismissed any uncertainty about his team’s desire for success tonight as they face FC Porto. Klopp insisted that “Liverpool are too greedy for success to go easy on Porto”. “We are very ambitious. It’s at Anfield, it’s a quarter-final, it’s a big one for us.” Klopp said. On paper, it would seem like Liverpool has the advantage over Porto, looking at the few past encounters between the two sides. However, FC Porto has been on fine form in the competition this season having coming top of their group during the group stage. With the whirr of positivity oozing out from Coach Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool fans across the world will be expecting nothing less of victory tonight.
In the other big game tonight, it’ll be a clash between two English giants – Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City – at Tottenham’s newly constructed stadium in London. Having already met once in the league this season with Man City running away as winners, the stage will be set for a thrilling encounter tonight. Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola will surely fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals after what would seem like a ‘favourable draw’ for both managers.
As we countdown to these big games tonight, what are your predictions?
Can FC Porto pull a stunner on Liverpool? Would Tottenham seek a revenge on Manchester City?
Only time will tell. This is the UEFA Champions League!
Emmanuel Ebimoh is a writer and football enthusiast. You can reach him on email: emmyebimoh@gmail.com
