We’re well and truly at the business end now.
We’re down to eight teams who are all battling to lift that famous trophy, with each one standing in the other’s way.
This is what it’s all about and these nights are the reason we love football.
Here’s how we think tonight will go.
Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
This is a repeat of last season’s epic final, where Real clawed the trophy from the grips of Atletico.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10nVoi-_AGc
Since that fateful evening, Atletico have played Real six times. They haven’t lost any of these games.
Diego Simeone may have lost several key players from last season’s La Liga winning side, but they’ve certainly lost none of their bite.
Real were shaky in the last round, holding off a spirited Schalke side. Atletico also defeated German opposition, accounting for Leverkusen.
Real go into tonight’s game with a full strength squad, while Atletico are boosted by the return of Mario Mandzukic.
We fancy the home side to win, but Real to get an important away goal.
Our prediction is 2-1.
Juventus v Monaco
Monaco surprised most people by knocking Arsenal out in the last round, while Juventus made short work of Dortmund.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRpKlimTosQ
The Italian side will be hoping for a similar tie this time around. They’ve been boosted by return of the maestro, Andrea Pirlo, however Paul Pogpa misses out with an injury.
Monaco aren’t without issues of their own. Captain Jeremy Toulalan and defender Ricardo Carvalho are likely to miss out.
A shock defeat to Parma at the weekend has left Juvé’s confidence reeling. That, coupled with Monaco’s ability to organise their defence, could produce a tentative affair here.
We’re predicting a scoreless draw.
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