UCL QUARTERFINALS: The Battle of the gods

The quarterfinal draw for the UEFA Champions League of the 2023/2024 football season can be described as nothing but exceptional. It promised to be a drama-filled event, with each team having their own reasons for wanting to lift the illustrious trophy. Manchester City is hoping to defend its reign as champions, Real Madrid, on the other end, is hoping to climb back to the top of the ladder and win the championship once again. While Arsenal wants to lift the trophy for once after many years of trying, Bayern Munich, with the newly signed Harry Kane, hoping to break his trophyless curse by winning the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) needing to win it before Mbappe leaves the club and prove it did not just throw money at world-class players without once lifting the trophy. Barcelona wants to prove to the world that they are still capable of winning the trophy even without Messi. Atlético Madrid and Dortmund, well, their presence in the draw was nothing unusual, and they do not bring much drama to the table.

When the matches were drawn, the air was electric with excitement. The dates of the matches were bookmarked in all football lovers' hearts. Each match promised to bring a different story. Manchester City and Real Madrid were facing off in the knockout rounds once again, the third time in three years with each side having one win each. PSG and Barcelona were in each other's way on the path to becoming champions. Bayern and Arsenal both desperately needed to move to the semifinals. Atlético Madrid and Dortmund, well, they were there to try and win, with no particularly interesting story behind that match.

As the first round of the quarter-finals drew closer, plans were made to attend. Boyfriends told their not-football-loving girlfriends to excuse them for the night, fathers found a way to be without their noisy children who did not understand the importance of the night. Boys gathered together and contributed money for fuel, subscription services, and data in case the electric companies failed them or the subscription services should fail them. The network gods were appeased, and the betting gods were given their sacrifices of money.

Night 1 came and did not disappoint. It was the highest-scoring quarter-final night in UCL history. Real Madrid and Manchester City came to a 3-all draw in a rollercoaster of a match. Arsenal and Bayern all came to a 2-all draw. Night 2 finally saw some victories. Barcelona managed to steal a one-goal victory over PSG in a 3-2 win. Atlético Madrid prevailed over Dortmund 2-1. The noises created by the excitement each night shook the viewing centers. The quarter-finals nights would not be forgotten any time soon.

The second round was even more highly anticipated. Would there be comebacks? Would there be as many goals as in the first round? What had the coaches and players learned from their opponents in the first round? The appropriate pre-game rituals were performed, and as soon as night came, all football fans were glued to the front of their screens. Night 1 consisted of matches between Dortmund and Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and PSG. Dortmund and Atletico Madrid put on a performance that proved they should not be taken as an afterthought in the UCL story. The game ended 4-2 with Dortmund winning and qualifying for the semi-finals. The Barcelona and PSG match result was shocking. PSG won the match by a three goals margin, it ended 4-1. Barcelona fans, not wanting to face reality, blamed the red card given to Ronald Araujo in the first half, claiming it was unfair. This writer recommends they read a referee's handbook and accept their defeat.

Night 2 was not as goal-filled but exciting nonetheless. Bayern managed a one-goal win over Arsenal to qualify. Manchester City and Real Madrid’s match ended as a 1-all draw after the end of both regulation time and extra time, forcing them to go into penalties. Real Madrid won the penalty shootout 4-3 after substitute goalkeeper A. Lunin stopped Bernardo Silva’s terrible penalty and guessed right for Kovacic's penalty. Rudiger converted Real Madrid's final penalty to seal the win.

The quarterfinals may be over, but the UCL story is not finished. Will Harry Kane break his trophyless curse? Will Mbappe lift the trophy with PSG before he leaves the club? Will Real Madrid continue to dominate the Champions League? And will Dortmund prove they deserve to be taken seriously in the story? We will find out in the UCL semifinals.

OLAJIDE Olamide