5 Key Issues That Will Shape Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Legs
The UEFA Champions League was complete with intrigue last week.
Favoured Bayern Munich were rocked 3-1 by FC Porto, Paris Saint-Germain had trouble containing Barcelona's Luis Suarez, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid played out an austere 0-0 draw, while Juventus beat Monaco 1-0.
Complete with derbies and talented underdogs, the quarter-finals have created interesting matchups on nearly every occasion, so what should we look out for as the round reaches its conclusion?
Here are five pressing questions ahead of the 2014/15 UCL quarter-final second legs.
Can Monaco Create Chances vs. Juventus While Staying Solid Defensively?
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Thought to have the upper hand against Monaco, Juventus were bailed out by a Ricardo Carvalho challenge on Alvaro Morata in the 18-yard box last week, leading to the game's only goal—an Arturo Vidal spot kick.
Bringing a slender advantage from Turin to Monaco, Juventus should expect another close game—one in which their hosts know what is required. To avoid losing the tie in the first 90 minutes, the Monegasque side know keeping a clean sheet is mandatory for their survival.
Tasked with scoring at least one goal, Monaco will be less defensive-minded in the second leg, but in their eagerness to score could be found out by Carlos Tevez and company.
There is all to play for on the French Riviera.
Do Paris Saint-Germain Have at Least 3 Goals in Them?
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Paris Saint-Germain did not have the best of outings versus Barcelona last Wednesday. Luis Suarez scored a fantastic brace, nutmegging last summer's £40 million-signing David Luiz on both occasions.
A 3-1 Barca victory at the Parc des Princes—and second leg at Camp Nou—spells doom for PSG; requiring three goals without reply, the French champions are in perilous territory.
Boasting Edinson Cavani, Javier Pastore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (who should return from suspension) and a variety of other dangers, Laurent Blanc's team holds the requisite firepower to score goals, but doing so against arguably the hottest team in European football—without conceding—seems rather unlikely.
Which Team Will Be More Clinical: Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid?
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Despite the 0-0 scoreline, chances were available to both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in their first-leg clash. Real had 17 shots, eight of which on frame, Atletico had eight shots, with two on frame. That said, football is a "goals" game.
As such, moving to the Santiago Bernabeu, Real should enjoy slightly more success in the goals department. However, their success will have to come without the suspended Marcelo and the injured Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.
If Atletico Madrid score, it forces Real into needing two goals. Considering Los Blancos have yet to beat their cross-town rivals in seven attempts this season, Carlo Ancelotti must weigh the balance of his team perfectly.
Can Bayern Munich Keep a Clean Sheet vs. FC Porto?
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Many around the world know Pep Guardiola as the perfecter of Barcelona's famed tiki-taka football, attempting to similarly modernise Bayern Munich's approach, the Spanish boss must flash his defensive acumen against Porto this week.
A 3-1 scoreline in FC Porto's favour sees the German powerhouse in need of a 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena to advance. Most would expect the Bundesliga champions (and champions elect) to get the needed result, and for sound reason, but conceding goals makes their task infinitely greater.
Still missing several players due to injury, Guardiola's club has an uphill climb.
Should the 'Away Goals' Rule Apply Past 180 Minutes?
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Playing at home in the second leg of a Champions League knockout tie is not an ideal situation.
Many would posit playing at home for the last 90 minutes is advantageous, as one can set whichever tone they prefer—knowing the first-leg's result.
Should the tie be kept at 180 minutes, this thinking is logical, but suppose the tie extends for another 30 minutes, the home team is then at a disadvantage. They had 90 minutes to score an away goal in the first leg, meanwhile, in the second leg, their opponent could get upward of 120 minutes to complete the same task.
This seems unfair.
UEFA might consider giving both legs 120-minute capabilities and eliminating the away-goals rule for goals scored in the extra period(s). This would give both teams equal opportunities at having 30 (or possibly 60) extra minutes, no matter the leg.
At least three ties seem capable of having extra time this week: Bayern Munich, Monaco and Real Madrid should all be wary of playing an extra session—as their opponents hold a slight advantage.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
