English sides ease through round of 16 in Champions League

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Adidas Finale Istanbul 21 match balls are seen prior to during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Lewis - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

After last nights win, Chelsea make it a clean sweep for Premier League sides in the Champions League. All of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea won both of their ties all without conceding a single goal.

Liverpool proceeded to the quarter-finals last week with a 2-0 win against RB Leipzig. Goals from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah were enough for Klopp’s side to complete their domination over Leipzig. Despite Liverpool’s domestic league struggles, they remain strong in Europe amid an injury struck season and hope to still end the season with silverware.

Fabinho returned to the Liverpool midfield and produced a stand our performance after many weeks filling in for injured defenders. Klopp was that impressed with the Brazilian that he said Fabinho is “one of the best in the world at number six.”

Is this the year for City and Pep?

Manchester City continued an outstanding season as they too won 2-0 against another German side in Borussia Monchengladbach. Despite not fielding a recognised striker in either game, City were far too strong for Gladbach.

City like Liverpool won 4-0 on aggregate and are hailed as strong favourites for this year’s competition. City will have a firm eye on Fridays quarter-finals draw and certainly will not fear anyone as they target a trip to Istanbul for this year’s final.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 17: Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea scores their team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea progress to last eight

Chelsea arguably had the hardest matchup of the three English sides as they came up against Atletico Madrid. Atleti are flying in this years La Liga however failed to score against Tuchel’s stubborn Chelsea defence over two legs.

A classic counter attack for both of Chelsea’s goals, Hakim Ziyech and Emerson the scorers either side of half time. Chelsea beat Atletico with a 3-0 aggregate score line as their unbeaten start under Tuchel continues.

Chelsea progress to the last eight for the first time in seven year’s, but how far can they go? Tuchel will also be looking to reach his second successive Champions League final after guiding PSG there last season.

For the first time in the Champions League this season there could be an all-English tie. Liverpool have history in the competition against both Chelsea and City whereas Chelsea and City are yet to meet in the competition. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and PSG highlight the strength still left in the competition, all are current domestic champions.