It would be unthinkable to have a Champions League draw with more of a sense of morbid curiosity, than the one which takes place on Thursday at midday.Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are waiting to find out their opponents for the semi-final stages, which will result in games which will be breathtaking to even think about.Whatever happens, both ties will have their attractions.
Real Madrid, for example, could cross paths of local rivals Atletico once again, who knocked them out of the Champions League last year – but who have been incapable of beating them this season in La Liga.Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute goal in the Lisbon final is another memory shared by the two, with Diego Simeone looking to improve upon the achievements of the squad he crafted two years.There would also be a lot to talk about if Real Madrid crossed paths with Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City, who left the club in poor fashion and has since criticised president Florentino Perez.
Pep Guardiola could look for revenge against Madrid too, after the Champions League semi-final defeat at the hands of Los Blancos two years ago. This time, however, Xabi Alonso will be on the opposite bench.It would be more awkward for Pep to come up against Manchester City, however, with the former Barcelona coach having already confirmed that he will be managing the English club next season. It would seem like a dirty trick on the Spanish coach if he had to meet his future employers prematurely.
If Man City draw Atletico, there would also be some potential ill-feeling. The tie would constitute Sergio Aguero’s return to Estadio Vicente Calderon, after his controversial exit from the club five years ago – which would undoubtedly be very special.Finally, if Atletico were to come up against Bayern, it would be the eventual opportunity for Los Colchoneros to avenge the defeat to the German club in the European Cup of 1974.
