Champions League 2020/21: 5 key observations from the quarter-finals

Neymar-PSG

The Champions League quarter-final round was concluded earlier this week, and the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain have managed to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Here at Anytime Football, we look at the five key observations from the last round of the Champions League.

Casemiro will be the key to Real Madrid’s European ambitions

The Brazilian defensive midfielder put on a stunning display against Liverpool at Anfield, and he was one of the main reasons why Los Blancos managed to progress into the semi-finals with a clean sheet at Anfield.

Casemiro did well to nullify the Liverpool midfield in both legs, and his performance in the first leg was overshadowed by Toni Kroos’s passing brilliance.

His reading of the game and tackling ability could prove to be vital for Real Madrid in the big games where midfield control can decide the outcome of the contest.

@Casemiro: "I'm very happy to win this trophy! But it's not just mine, it's thanks to the effort of the whole team. We're in the semi-finals! We're going to fight for everything. For the league, for the #UCL, we can do it. All together, both are so important to us. Big hug!"

Jude Bellingham overshadows Erling Haaland

The Borussia Dortmund versus Manchester City tie was all about Erling Haaland, but the Norwegian striker failed to find the net in both legs.

Instead, he was overshadowed by the highly talented England midfielder Jude Bellingham who has proven that he is an elite talent.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was stunned with his performance over the two legs, and he admitted during his post-match presser that it is hard to believe that the midfielder is just 17 years old.

Bayern Munich must improve defensively

The Germans were punished by PSG because of their defensive frailties in the last round, and they will have to assemble a quality defensive unit if they want to challenge for the Champions League next season.

With the likes of Jerome Boateng leaving the club, this is a good opportunity for the Germans to bring in quality young defenders, and it will be interesting to see if the arrival of Dayot Upamecano can help them improve at the back.

Neymar is the game-changer for PSG

Despite not managing the score in the two legs against Bayern Munich, the Brazilian was at the heart of everything positive for the French outfit.

Mbappe might have taken the headlines with his goals, but Neymar was unplayable in the first leg, and his performance was crucial to PSG dismantling the Bavarian defence.

Neymar is named Champions League Player of the Week

Guardiola’s Champions League dream

The Manchester City manager has managed to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since taking over at Etihad, and he will be hoping to go all the way this season.

The Premier League side is the only side left who are yet to lose in the Champions League this season. They are in rampant form right now, and Pep’s Champions League dream is within touching distance.