The scene is set for the knockout stage of the Champions League. Here are the four most compelling storylines from Monday’s last-16 draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
Consolidation of power is … not terrible?
Following the group stage, there was plenty of (justifiable) handwringing over Europe’s top five leagues turning the competition into their own personal playground. For the first time in the modern era of the Champions League, the proverbial Big Five – England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France – provided all 16 entrants for the knockout stage.
Just one year removed from Ajax making a magical run to the semifinals – and coming within seconds of reaching the showpiece match – the power imbalance that exists in European football was highlighted like never before. Already rolling in cash, Big Football™ had won again.
That tune changed somewhat on Monday, though.
The consolidation of power is problematic for the long-term health of the sport, but in the immediate future, the result of that stranglehold is the type of tantalizing fixture list we’ve just been handed. Manchester City against Real Madrid in a colossal encounter! Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid in a clash of …read more