The final 4 teams have advanced into the Champions League semi-final, where there will be two matchups, having the aggregate rule still in effect. The Spanish giants, Barcelona, led by none other than Lionel Messi, will face off against the rising Liverpool, who have maintained a high scoring presence throughout the tournament. On the other side of the bracket, the young Ajax will face up against Tottenham, who unconvincingly beat fellow English club Manchester City, advancing on away goals.
Match 1, Leg 1:
Barcelona faced Liverpool in Spain, at their home stadium. For those who do not follow soccer as closely, Barcelona has an outstanding home record, giving them a huge edge heading into this game. They have won 21 of their last 34 home games against English sides, such as Liverpool, only losing two of them. A quick goal by striker, Luis Suarez, started the game off in the right direction for Barcelona. But uncharacteristically, Liverpool managed to painting more possession of the ball, 53%. They also had more passes and shots than Barcelona. But in the end, that would not matter. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi took matters into his own hands in the second half, putting back Luis Suarez’s miss off the crossbar, and scoring another land mark free kick from 27 yards out. In this quick 7 minute time, Barcelona tripled their first half score, gaining quite an advantage going into the second leg.
Similarly to Tottenham, this past weekend, Liverpool’s Egyptian super star, Mohamed Salah, suffered a concussion in a league match and will be ruled out for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Match 2, Leg 1:
The other matchup was one no one expected to see. Ajax from the Netherlands faced Harry Kane-less Tottenham in England, at Tottenhams new home stadium, which just began being used this year. A almost completely even game, with possession and shots almost equivalent, Ajax would get the 1-0 victory, with a header by Donny Van de Beek, in the 15th minute. This gives an away goal advantage heading into the next matchup where Ajax will play at home, in a stadium where losing seems to be unlikely.
The 91st minute 