Manchester City to face Real Madrid while Bayern take on Atletico Madrid. The European draw results are out and we have been deprived of a Madrid derby seminal however it is still inevitable in the finals as a replay from two years ago.
Bayern, who made their way into the semis after defeating a defiant Benfica in the quarter finals with a 3-2 aggregate win, are now to face Atletico Madrid who put a great performance against the defending Champions League winners, Barcelona. Atletico defeated Barca 3-2 over the course of two legs. Guardiola avoids his future club, Manchester City, at least in the semis. Guardiola will look to finish his Bayern career on a high as he looks to steer Bayern towards their sixth UEFA Champions league cup. Bayern last won the Champions league back in 2012-13. Atletico will play their home leg first.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are to face Manchester City. City have outdone themselves by reaching the semi-finals of the Champions league for the first time over the course of their history. City put up an excellent show to defeat Paris Saint Germain 1-0 at the Etihad to book their place in the semis. The Citizens will play their home leg first. Real Madrid who looked dismal after the first leg performance at Wolfsburg, made an extraordinary comeback courtesy of an awe inspiring performance by their showman, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s hat trick kept the hopes alive of Madrid’s eleventh European glory. They last lifted the trophy back in 2014 under Carlo Ancelotti’s management to clinch the famous “La Decima”. They defeated Atletico back then in the final.
The draws hold different meanings to the teams. Real and Atletico would have probably been looking to avoid another derby clash (this soon at least). Guardiola would have been looking to avoid his future club and would be in a very interesting position if he meets them in the final. Maybe all of these wishes were granted, however to clinch the title every team has to face off against the best in Europe, maybe in the semis or the finals.
The first legs will be played on April 26/27 and the return legs will be played on May 03/04.
