UEFA Champions League 2023-24: Battles to watch out for in first two quarter-finals of UCL

The UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be back on Tuesday with the last 8 left in the competition. Arsenal will be facing Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will be hosting Manchester City in the 1st leg of the quarter-finals. All four teams will be trying to take an early advantage ahead of the 2nd leg. Both games start at the same time 12:30 AM IST. On the very next day, Paris Saint-Germain will be playing FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will face off against Borussia Dortmund. 

Some have charged the Champions League with disappointing this season, but that cannot be the case in this year's quarterfinals. There are several intriguing matchups between the last eight teams in the competition, including a battle between the last two European champions, Real Madrid and Manchester City. City would like to defend their title and win it for the second time in a row, with Madrid's form having been brilliant in La Liga. 

Bayern's dipping form has raised questions over Thomas Tuchel with Arsenal taking their revenge on the club with the red-hot form they are in. In the article, we will be looking at some of the key battles from the first two quarter-finals of UCL. 

Here are the key battles to watch out for

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich 

William Saliba vs Harry Kane

William Saliba is currently the best defender in the English Premier League (EPL). The French central defender has been outstanding this season and has conceded just four goals in the 2024 year. He was exceptional in the game against Manchester City and pocketed star striker Erling Haaland. On Tuesday he will be up against one of the greatest strikers of this generation Harry Kane who has been in goals for Bayern and has an impressive goalscoring record against the Gunners. This battle will be the one to watch out for.

Bukayo Saka vs Alphonso Davies

Bukayo Saka has been one of the reasons for the Gunners's brilliant form this season. The English winger has been brilliant scoring 17 goals and having 13 assists beside his name across all competitions for the side. He will be a threat to the Bavarians's defence and Alphonso Davies who matches the same pace and has more physical ability will be a key player marking him and stopping the runs of the winger. 

Real Madrid vs Manchester City

Erling Haaland vs Antonio Rudiger 

Erling Haaland has been the game changer for City since he arrived in the club. He has struggled through some rough patches but he will be the player the club fans will look up to in the big game against Madrid. Antonio Rudiger will be the one who might be the person to mark him on Tuesday and the fans will hope for a brilliant battle between the two to give their best for the team. 

Rodri vs Jude Bellingham

Rodri has been known for his long-range shots and goals in clutch moments of the game. The Spanish defensive midfielder scored the winner in last year's UCL final against Inter. Rodri have to make sure with his defensive role as well because of Jude Bellingham who has been the star for Madrid in the season and has scored 20 goals in his debut season for the Los Blancos. Both players would like to take control of the middle of the park to maintain the tempo of the game.