Round of 16 Champions League – Penalty professionals, Italian exodus and Vinnie Jones’ ghost – Sport

4 nations, huge consolations and no real surprises: an overview of the quarter-finalists of the Champions League.

There were only eight left: Atletico grabbed the last quarter-final ticket in the Champions League. Reason enough to look back on part 1 of the last knockout phase in the old, beloved guise of the “premier class”.

Outsiders have to stay outside

These are big names who can hope to lift the pot into the London night sky at Wembley Stadium on June 1st. 7 of the 8 remaining teams have been in a CL final in the last 10 years, only Arsenal did so 18 seasons ago. Four of the big five leagues are represented. Spain is sending a trio into the race, while Germany and England still have a duo left. And PSG should make France and Qatar happy at the same time with their debut triumph.

You won’t find any surprises or debutants in the quarterfinal ball. Last year, Benfica and Napoli shook up the ranks of eternal title contenders.

Done with the Italianità and Thuram’s Vinnie Jones moment

In addition to the SSC and their first dream year in the post-Maradona era, the two Milan clubs were also in the quarter-finals a year ago. In the semi-final there was even a “Derby della Madonnina”. Now Lazio, Napoli and Inter were eliminated one after the other.

The latter “Nerazzurri” suffered only their third defeat of the season across all competitions at the worst possible time. Perhaps it was something like karma that Marcus Thuram missed a great chance for Inter in regular time. He later imitated the legendary Vinnie Jones hold in extra time against Stefan Savic, but escaped unscathed.

Performance on point

There had been no penalty shootouts in the Champions League since the 2015/16 season (keyword: “Madrileño” final). Now there were two of them. The modest odds reveal that there was a lot at stake: at Arsenal – Porto at least 75 percent were converted, at Atletico – Inter just 44 percent. The “Colchoneros” are now practiced at making decisions from 11 meters. Atletico was the first team in the CL to have to make quick decisions 4 times – and was successful 3 times.

“Consolation” handle pot

While Real Madrid and PSG are clearly on course to become champions in the leagues, Arsenal and Manchester City are still in the middle of the fight for the title in the Premier League. For the remaining quartet, Barcelona, ​​Atletico, Bayern and BVB, the handle pot is the last realistic trophy this season. It would be a truckload of balm for the souls of fans who have recently been battered in the league and national cups.