Guardiola against Ancelotti, Mourinho against Simeone. Nyon's polls designed the Champions League semifinals, avoiding (or perhaps postponing to the final) the most fascinating pairings. Averted Bayern Monaco - Chelsea, who would have faced, in the umpteenth chapter of an infinite challenge, Pep Guardiola and Josè Mourinho. The Madrid derby was also averted, between the usual Real and Atletico of wonders, the real surprise of this European season.
A curiosity: the starting goalkeeper of Atletico Madrid Thibaut Courtois, most likely, will not be able to play in the semi-finals. In fact, the Belgian is owned by Chelsea, who loaned him to the Colchoneros two seasons ago. In the goalkeeper's loan contract there is a clause that prevents him from playing against the Londoners, unless Atletico Madrid pay 3 million euros into Chelsea's coffers.
In the Europa League, on the other hand, Juventus drew Benfica, perhaps the most formidable of possible opponents. The bianconeri are looking for access to the final at the Juventus Stadium and, by defeating the Lusitanians, they would avoid Portugal overtaking Italy in the UEFA rankings. The first leg will be played on 24 April and the return leg on 1 May.
