The draws for the Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals have set up big matches on the way to the final on 28 May, in Paris.
Last season’s runners-up Manchester City will have to get past Atletico to reach the semi-finals, while the current trophy holders Chelsea will face Real Madrid. Liverpool meets Benfica, with Bayern paired with Villarreal.
In the semi-finals, the winner of the City vs Atletico confrontation will play Chelsea for a spot in the final, while whoever comes out on top at Benfica vs Liverpool will battle one of Villarreal and Bayern Munich.
The quarter-finals first legs are played on 5 and 6 April, with the second legs a week later. The semi-finals are scheduled for 26/27 April (first leg) and 3/4 May (second leg).
Who’s winning this season?
In a uefa.com survey, the majority of voters indicated Liverpool as their main favorite to lift the trophy at the Stade de France on 28 May. 28% of the voters chose Liverpool to win the Champions League. 19% opted for Real Madrid, with 17% going for Manchester City. Chelsea is just behind at 16%, while Bayern stands at 13% of the options expressed. Just 3% believe in a shock Benfica triumph, with Villarreal at 0%.
The bookies have different views to those of the fans. Both at +200 odds, Liverpool and Manchester City lead the odds race, with Bayern following at +300. Chelsea is at +1100 odds and Real Madrid at +1200. Atletico is further behind their Madrid arch-rivals at +2200. Now at +8000 odds, Villarreal is given better chances to win the Champions League than Benfica at +15000.
