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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Champions League semi-final power rankings as Premier League duo eye another showdown

We've reached the final four as the Champions League almost comes to a conclusion.

It's been another brilliant year in UEFA's flagship event and if the quarter-finals are anything to go by, the semi-finals should be a cracking set of fixtures.

Manchester City and Liverpool are the remaining two teams representing the Premier League after Real Madrid dispatched Chelsea despite Thomas Tuchel's men almost mounting an unlikely comeback at the Bernabeu.

Jurgen Klopp's men cruised into the next round with a dominant win over Benfica, while City had to navigate a challenging and heated tie against Atletico Madrid.

It was Villarreal who provided the biggest upset, however, as they dumped Bayern Munich out of the competition to seal their spot in the semi-finals in what would be a cinderella story for Unai Emery's men.

With four teams left, we've ranked each team taking into account a number of factors, including current form, squad strength and route to the showpiece game.

So with that in mind, here are the fixtures and our Champions League power rankings.

Semi-final fixtures

April 26 and May 3: Real Madrid vs Manchester City

April 27 and May 4: Liverpool vs Villarreal

4. Villarreal

Emery has worked wonders to get his side to the last four (REUTERS)

Unai Emery's side should not be overlooked given their incredible run so far including knocking out Bayern in the last round, but they're still the underdogs even at this stage with who's left in the competition.

The resources Real Madrid, Manchester City and Liverpool have at their disposal compared to the Spanish side are night and day and it's hard to see how they can beat two of these three sides to go all the way.

It doesn't help that they have Liverpool up first either who are arguably the favourites to go and win the competition.

3. Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has been in stunning form for Real Madrid (AFP via Getty Images)

The Spanish giants have surprised many by getting this far in the tournament as they were supposed to be in rebuild mode after Zinedine Zidane left the club.

But Carlo Ancelotti has found a way for them to be competitive as they look to wrap up a La Liga and Champions League double.

Madrid were excellent against Chelsea in the quarter-finals, but had to weather a second leg storm before Karim Benzema sealed their place in the semi-final. They might not have the same firepower as Liverpool and Man City but their pedigree in this tournament means they are not far behind them.

2. Manchester City

Veteran Fernandinho has come back into the City team in recent weeks (Getty Images)

It's a toss-up between City and Liverpool just like it is in the Premier League title race, but Jurgen Klopp's men have a slight advantage given their draw with Villarreal as they have a seemingly easier route to the final.

City have a difficult tie to navigate against Madrid but they will still be favourites to come out on top.

The fact City haven't won the Champions League under Guardiola is a slight concern too, it remains to be seen how much scar tissue remains from their defeat to Chelsea last year. Until they get over the hump, there will be question marks over whether they can or not.

1. Liverpool

Liverpool have been in remarkable form since the turn of the year (REUTERS)

There is not much separating Liverpool and City but on paper, they have a clear path to the final as long as they don't underestimate Villarreal.

The Reds are also arguably in better form than their rivals as they've been unstoppable since the turn of the year, closing the gap on City in the league, who have been grinding out wins.

Klopp's previous success in this competition can also give Liverpool an edge. They know they can all the way and their win against Tottenham a few years ago will give them plenty of confidence that they can repeat that feat.

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