Who Should Real Madrid Want to Face in the Champions League Semifinals: A Round Table Discussion with The Real Champs

Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich 6-3 on aggregate to move on to the Semifinals of the Champions League. To preview the match, the staff here at The Real Champs have each ranked the teams we would like to face.

1 = Most Favorable Draw, 3 = Least Favorable Draw

Alex McVey (On Twitter: @JAlexanderMcVey)

1. Monaco

I could easily see Real Madrid conceding one, or even two goals to Monaco, but this Monaco team is also leaky on defense. They are also extremely young; the average age of their squad is 25 years old. That means less experience, whereas Madrid has a great mix of young players and veterans with years worth of experience in the late rounds of the Champions League, something that the players from Atleti and Juventus both have. I think the match vs. Monaco would be a high scoring shootout that Madrid would win easily over two legs.

2. Atletico Madrid

I put Atletico second because I think they are still one of the most dangerous squads in Europe and are great at shutting games down. On the other hand, I think this Atleti team is a bit less disciplined than teams of past, and some key players in their squad are aging, like Diego Godin and Felipe Luis. They have been far less dangerous from corners this season, which is one way that they could put pressure on Nacho if he is still deputizing for our other injured center-backs.

3. Juventus

I’m definitely most terrified of Juventus. The way Paulo Dybala dismantled the FC Barcelona defense within 25 minutes was stunning, and I could easily see Real Madrid getting pulled out of sorts if they demonstrate a lack of the “intensity” that Zidane talks about so frequently. The other reason Juve scares me is because of what they did to Barcelona in the second leg. Their ability to stay disciplined, park the bus (they were playing a back 6 for much of the game!), and see games out with the defensive powers of Buffon, Bonucci, Chiellini, it makes them the most balanced opponents in the Champions League. I would much rather face Juventus in the final where Madrid only have to pay attention for 90 minutes, rather than over two legs.