Liverpool, Manchester City, Spurs and
Chelsea face differing challenges in a
Champions League knockout stage that is likely to be one of the last in the competition’s current format
The Champions League returns on Tuesday with
Liverpool back at the stadium where they won their sixth European crown last year. Atlético Madrid will represent a formidable obstacle as Jürgen Klopp and his players attempt the unlikely feat of reaching a third successive Champions League final in addition to claiming a first English title in 30 years, though of the four English teams aiming for a place in the last eight it could be argued that Liverpool have been best favoured by the draw.
It is true that Tottenham’s opponents, RB Leipzig, have the least impressive European pedigree, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side are keeping Bayern Munich company at the top of the Bundesliga. Chelsea and Spurs find themselves pitted against the top two teams in
Germany, while
Manchester City must play
Real Madrid, top of La Liga and with a very impressive European pedigree indeed.