Champions League: Juventus take on holders Real, Sevilla host Bayern
What's the story
A blockbuster first-leg quarter-final encounter awaits when Juventus take on Real Madrid in a replay of the 2016-17 Champions League final in Cardiff. Real had beaten Juventus 4-1 to win their 12th European crown. But this time Juventus will look to make amends. Sevilla, which ousted Manchester United in the Round of 16, face Bayern Munich. Here is all you need to know.
Huge encounter
Juventus, Real in for a fitting blockbuster
The tie is touted as the biggest encounter in the last eight of the Champions League. Juventus are top of Serie A table. In their last match, they had defeated AC Milan 3-1. Real are on third spot in La Liga and also come into this tie post a victory. Juventus outwitted Tottenham Hotspur in Round of 16, whereas, Real thrashed Paris Saint-Germain.
Two big guns
Juventus vs Real: Players to watch out for
Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo are the players to watch out for. Higuain has five goals and an assist. Ronaldo, as usual, has stepped up with 12 goals and 2 assists. Juventus need to stop Ronaldo getting into promising positions. Real defenders must stop counter attacks with Higuain being pivotal. Both the players were instrumental in their team's progression from the round of 16.
Stern test
Sevilla could be tricky for Bavarian giants
Sevilla showed what they can offer after knocking out United. They will offer a stern test to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. Sevilla will be wanting to score goals at home, something they could not do against United. Bayern come from a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund and go into the tie as favourites. Away goals will be crucial for them.
In-form assets
Sevilla vs Bayern: Players to watch out for
Wissam Ben Yedder and Robert Lewandowski are the players to watch out for in the tie. Yedder has scored 8 goals in the tourney. He scored a brace against United at Old Trafford. Despite being in superb form, the manager has used him as a substitute and this needs to stop. Lewandowski is a poacher and will trouble Sevilla's defence. He has five goals.
Information
When and where to watch the ties
The first leg of the quarter-final ties start at 12:15 AM on Wednesday. The matches will be telecast live on Sony Ten 1/HD and Sony Ten 2/HD. The return leg is on April 12, Thursday.