The first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals was a great one, with a lot of goals, but none of them were unexpected. The four games in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals are not exciting, but they impress people in an unpopular way. Many people think that once the top team falls to the Europa League, it is basically safe to win the championship, but this is not the case. Almost every season, there will be a top giants at the Champions League level who deign to play in the Europa League, but the probability of such a team winning the championship is not high. And the second-tier strong teams in the Europa League, their combat effectiveness and desire to fight are amazing.
Of the 4 games, only the matches between Benfica and Marseille are evenly matched, and it is not surprising who wins, while the other 3 games have a lot of inclination in strength. For example, AC Milan lost 0:1 at home to Roma, which no one expected. Although Roma finished runners-up in the Europa League last season, they have been in turmoil this season and have been inconsistent in their performances. Milan had a lot of chances in this game, but they didn't take it. The second leg away to Roma was a decisive battle on the edge of a cliff for them.
And the most surprising was Liverpool's 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta. I think this game could be in the top three even if the underdogs in all competitions in European football this season were judged. Just guess the winner correctly, who would dare to guess the 3:0 score? Don't forget, this is Anfield.
Liverpool had a lot of chances, but they didn't take them, but it was Atalanta who fought back well. Now if Liverpool want to qualify, they will have to complete a task no less than the Istanbul miracle on the road. Although Liverpool are stronger, it is too difficult to beat a Serie A side 4-0 on the road.
So, do you have a feeling that the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals has just ended, and the champion seems to have already been decided.
Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen were the only strong team that didn't get upset in these three games with a tilt of strength. In fact, in the first 80 minutes, Bayer Leverkusen also experienced the difficulties of Liverpool and Milan, and they were scoreless. But Bayer Leverkusen's fighting power and luck in the final 10 minutes were simply enviable. A 2:0 game has basically guaranteed them to enter the semi-finals.
is also a lot of opportunities, the same opponent's goalkeeper is like a divine help, but Leverkusen can solve the problem, that is, he can get out of the way, I have to say that this season's pharmaceutical factory is really a bit metaphysical. Originally, many people thought that the Europa League final would be played between Liverpool and Milan, but it turned out to be wishful thinking. Liverpool will have a hard time winning four goals away at Atalanta, while Milan will be able to beat a Leverkusen side who are on a hot pitch and have no weaknesses even if they complete a comeback away from home?
Therefore, after four matches in the first leg of the quarterfinals, Bayer Leverkusen won the championship even if they could not say 100%, but at least their hopes were greatly increased. Now, they're the biggest hits. Due to the existence of top teams such as Liverpool and Milan in the Europa League, many fans think that Alonso's treble this season is an extravagant hope, but now it seems that this goal may be getting closer and closer.
Of course, the next second leg away to West Ham United will be a tough one, and I hope that Bayer Leverkusen can continue their good form and good luck.