The quarter-final matchups of the UEFA Champions League 2023/2024 were revealed this Friday (15). The first leg matches will take place on April 9 and 10. The second leg games are scheduled for April 16 and 17.
The last two Champions League winners will face each other. The current tournament winner, Manchester City, will take on Real Madrid. The other matchups are: Paris Saint-Germain x Barcelona, Arsenal x Bayern Munich, and Atlético de Madrid x Borussia Dortmund.
The matchups
On Friday, the semi-final bracket was also drawn, defining the path to the grand final of the continental tournament. The winner of the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid will face whoever comes out on top between Arsenal and Bayern Munich. On the other side, PSG or Barcelona will face Atlético de Madrid or Borussia.
Former player Rivaldo, ambassador of Betfair and UEFA Champions League champion in 2002/03 with Milan, pointed out who is the favorite to lift the Champions trophy this season.
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Quoting Rivaldo
“I think the Champions League this season has been very exciting. All the teams that have advanced have the ability to win the title. I can even tell you that Manchester City is once again the favorite, for the way they play, for the time they have been together,” said Rivaldo in an exclusive interview with Sambafoot.
The former player also praised Barcelona’s campaign in this edition of the Champions League. The Catalan team topped their group in the group stage and eliminated the dangerous Napoli in the round of 16.
“Barcelona’s win this week gave me hope. I think many doubted Barcelona, and the team has reached the quarter-finals again. It will be a very interesting final stretch for those who love football and the Champions League,” said Betfair’s ambassador.
Emphasizing the balance of this edition of the Champions League, Rivaldo, while saying that City is the top favorite, did not rule out another English giant in the fight for the trophy.
“The team that is first in the English Premier League certainly has a great chance of being the Champions League champion. So, in my opinion, they are strong and indeed favorites. But favorites are not always champions. Many things happen in football, and in a quarter-final, you have to be focused,” commented Rivaldo.
