7. Borussia Dortmund
Similar to last season, Dortmund have exhibited a strong dichotomy between their form in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Last season’s runners-up made it to the competition only because the Bundesliga earned a bonus spot for the team ranked fifth on the table. The story is the same this season with the tenth-placed BVB (in Bundesliga) clinching a closely-fought tie against Lille. They did so with a lot of character after going behind to a Jonathan David shot in the fifth minute of the second leg.
Dortmund have largely rallied behind Serhou Guirassy this season, doing just enough when needed. He equaled Mohamed Salah as the African with the most goal contributions in a single UCL campaign. He needs a couple more goals to become the African with the most goals in a single UCL campaign. Guirassy’s form has been key, if not decisive, for Dortmund this season.
Alas, all their character could only earn them a match-up against the team to beat this season, FC Barcelona. A friendly goal-scoring machine in Robert Lewandowski would be waiting for Niko Kovac’s men in the quarterfinals.
6. Arsenal
The Gunners enjoyed a field day out against PSV in the first leg, beating them 7-1 in their own backyard. Come the second leg, Arteta’s men only had to complete the formalities. They did so with a relaxed 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, winning 9-3 on aggregate. It was a lot of fun putting nine past PSV up until it lasted.
Declan Rice has hit the peak of his powers at the right time for the English club, but that doesn’t eclipse the fact that Arsenal don’t really have a striker this season. When stakes are as high as they are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, a major gap in the squad could invite the doom on you.
Arsenal’s problems will be compounded because they’re facing the inevitable Real Madrid. After squeezing their way into the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Los Blancos would have their tails up against Arsenal.