UCL Report: Real Madrid, Villarreal win as Atleti drop first leg
The three remaining La Liga clubs have contrasting fortunes in the first leg of their quarterfinal ties at the UEFA Champions League that was played last week.
Updates on the Atletico Madrid “underdogs”
Atleti dropped their first leg match at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Manchester City eking out a 1-0 win on April 6 in a battle between league title holders.
Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne fired a low shot from a Phil Foden feed at the 70th minute, which became the lone difference for the Premier League outfit. The reigning Spanish champions will have their work cut out for them ahead of their return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano on April 14.
The winner of the Atlético Madrid versus Man City tie will face the winner of the Real Madrid-Chelsea matchup. Los Blancos came out as 3-1 victors at Stamford Bridge on April 7.
Karim Benzema fired a hat-trick (21’, 24’, 46’) in a comfortable victory over the holders ahead of their return fixture at the Bernabéu on April 13. Kai Havertz scored a consolation four minutes before halftime.
What to look forward to this season’s finals?
Over at La Cerámica, Arnaut Danjuma struck early as Villareal held their nerve for a close 1-0 conquest over Bayern Munich, the advantage they will take to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
The Dutch international redirected Dani Parejo’s initial strike past Manuel Neuer at the eighth minute. El Submarino Amarillo were denied a second when Francis Coquelin’s long chip was crossed out as the Frenchman was adjudged to be offside by the VAR.
This result puts Unai Emery’s side closer to a return to the semifinal for the first time in 16 years. A draw in Munich would see them face either Liverpool or Benfica, with the former coming up with a 3-1 scoreline in Lisbon.
