The semi-finalists for this year’s UEFA Champions League have been decided and it’s an interesting mix of giants from Europe. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will represent Spain; Juventus denied Barcelona to be the third Spanish team in semis and the Bianconeri will be representing Italy; AC Monaco will represent France.
Monaco (FRA)
UEFA club ranking: 30
This season: P10 W6 D2 L2 F21 A16 (excluding qualifying)
Possible first-choice XI: Subašić; Sidibé, Glik, Jemerson, Mendy; Fabinho, Bakayoko, Lemar; Bernardo Silva, Falcao, Mbappé
Top scorer: Kylian Mbappé and Radamel Falcao (5)
Last semi-final: 2003/04, won 5-3 v Chelsea
Semi-final record: W1 L2
European Cup best: runners-up (2004)
Why they might win: Arguably the most exciting attack in Europe and a fearless, young side.
Juventus (ITA)
UEFA club ranking: 5
This season: P10 W7 D3 L0 F17 A2
Possible first-choice XI: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanić, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandžukić; Higuaín
Top scorer: Paulo Dybala (4)
Last semi-final: 2014/15, won 3-2 v Real Madrid
Semi-final record: W8 L3
European Cup best: 2x winners (most recently 1996)
Why they might win: Gianluigi Buffon, surely, has to win this trophy before retiring.
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Real Madrid (ESP)
UEFA club ranking: 1
This season: P10 W7 D3 L0 F28 A15
Possible first-choice XI: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modrić; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (7)
Last semi-final: last season, won 1-0 v Manchester City
Semi-final record: W14 L13
European Cup best: 11x winners (most recently 2016)
Why they might win: Real Madrid, the Champions League. Enough said.
Atlético Madrid (ESP)
UEFA club ranking: 4
This season: P10 W7 D2 L1 F13 A5
Possible first-choice XI: Oblak; Juanfran, Godín, Savić, Filipe Luís; Saúl, Gabi, Koke, Carrasco; Gameiro, Griezmann
Top scorer: Antoine Griezmann (5)
Last semi-final: last season, won on away goals v Bayern (2-2)
Semi-final record: W3 L2
European Cup best: 3x runners-up (most recently 2016)
Why they might win: This is the one they want more than anything after so much heartache