Despite all predictions, Spanish clubs are mostly in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Barcelona and Atletico have awakened from lethargy at the right moment, Real is Real, despite barely scraping through, and Spaniards wonder how there are more of them than the formidable English clubs, especially – where are the Italians? They remind, meanwhile, that four out of eight coaches in the elite competition’s finals are Spaniards. And that there were also the most Spaniards in the round of 16. And that all the qualified clubs together have 27 Champions League titles, of which 14 belong to Real and five to Barcelona.UCL: Mission (im)possible for Arsenal as they face Bayern Munich, City vs Real MadridLa Liga is often characterized as slow and boring, Messi and Ronaldo are still unmatched, and finances need to be restored. Many are aware that the league is far from the desired level, but still, they claim, far from collapsing. Clubs like Real and Barcelona are fighting for their alternative form of financing, while La Liga is battling piracy to collect as much money as possible from television rights. And a new galactic brand is coming – Kylian Mbappé. There is hope, at least for the big ones. And if we are to believe Florentino Perez’s ideas, they would also bring along the small ones. In addition to Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona appeared most often as the desired opponent before the draw for the quarterfinal pairings of the Champions League, and Atletico was not far behind. In Spain, they mostly hoped that there would not be match ups between domestic teams, especially that Real and Atletico would not face each other. If nothing else, this last wish has been granted. With the result of the draw, only the red and whites can be satisfied.The most poisonous rivalries of the Champions League – two heart-stopping comebacks and a Arab-Spanish back and forthWhen the pair Real Madrid – Manchester City was drawn, Txiki Begiristain director of football for the Citizens commented: “What a shame again, bored with these balls, always the same”. In Spain, they regret because this, according to them, is a final match, and Guardiola’s team is as dangerous as last year. An additional problem is that the second leg is played at the Etihad, although there is still the possibility of change. Authorities in Spain point out security problems because Atletico also plays the first leg at home, so four groups of fans will gather in Madrid over two days. Such a situation is even harder for the neighbors from the Metropolitano. A packed stadium and madness in the stands throughout the match were one of the decisive factors in eliminating Inter. Now they are facing their German counterpart, and they could suffer from the same weapon.Legacy, you say? Then check out tacticians in the Champions League quarter-finalsBarcelona has drawn Mbappé, who could already delight Real’s fans, as well as Dembélé, who “betrayed” them. Before the draw, there was concern about a potential showdown between Xavi and Guardiola. But even this comparison won’t be simple. Luis Enrique is the last coach to win a European title with Barcelona, and as a former Spanish national team coach, he is gradually turning PSG into a cohesive and dangerous team, with Mbappé who also makes a difference in the game due to his individual qualities. Memories return to the hat-trick he scored three years ago at Camp Nou. But, when it comes to PSG, there’s also the incredible comeback of 6-1 from Parc des Princes. At that time, Luis Enrique was sitting on Barcelona’s bench.Atletico and Barcelona are also competing for the last spot in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States. Atletico is currently in a better position, and the colossal sums mentioned are motivation enough – from €25,000,000 for participation to as much as €75,000,000 that the winner could pocket. What Spanish clubs definitely won’t get is an additional spot for another representative in the new Champions League. Three clubs in the quarterfinals can’t compensate for poor performances in the Europa League and Conference League, so the fifth representative is already out of reach. Somewhat unfairly, they emphasize on the peninsula, considering that Italy has secured it through clubs from these two lower European categories.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 29Friday Sociedad – Cadiz 2-0 (1-0)/Merino 28, Zakharyan 68/Saturday 16.00: (1.85) Mallorca (3.40) Granada (4.60)18.15: (6.75) Osasuna (4.10) Real Madrid (1.58)20.30: (2.95) Getafe (3.40) Girona (2.40)23.00: (1.55) Ath.Bilbao (3.80) Alaves (7.00)Sunday 16.00: (2.00) Sevilla (3.40) Celta (3.90)18.15: (1.95) Las Palmas (3.50) Almeria (3.90)18.15: (2.20) Villareal (3.50) Valencia (3.50)20.30: (2.50) Rayo Vallecano (3.25) Betis (3.15)23.00: (2.45) Atl.Madrid (3.50) Barcelona (3.00)***odds are subject to change***
