The final two first legs of the Champions League last-16 knockout round are upon us. Inter Milan take on Porto at San Siro, while Manchester City will aim to do what no English team has done thus far in the knockout stages by winning when they take on RB Leipzig.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all tasted defeat in their last-16 clashes courtesy of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Spurs and Chelsea remain alive in their ties as they prepare for the return fixture on home soil after close defeats, but Liverpool face a much tougher task.
Despite racing into a 2-0 lead, Madrid scored five without reply to condemn the Reds to more pain at their hands after beating them in last season's final. Braces from Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema, along with a rare goal for Eder Militao means Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah's early strikes are now likely seen as no more than consolations.
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Jurgen Klopp's men went into the clash following back-to-back Premier League wins but one shocking 90-minute performance means they face elimination from Champions League barring a spectacular recovery. English representation now lies on Man City, Spurs and Chelsea but before the latter duo play their second legs, they take on each other in a London derby this weekend.
Graham Potter is in desperate need of a win having not secured three points in the league since January. Consecutive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Dortmund and Southampton also saw pressure increase on Potter and his job in west London.
The main problems remain in attack with the Blues unable to solve their attacking woes despite spending £172million to bring in six new forwards since Todd Boehly completed his takeover of the club. The arrival of Benoit Badiashile has lessened the need for defensive recruitment, but one name still remains a key target for the Blues.
RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol has attracted interest from all across Europe following multiple star-making displays for Leipzig and Croatia. The 21-year-old, who recently spoke about his desire to play in the Premier League, helped his nation achieve a third-placed finish in Qatar after losing in the semi-finals to eventual winners Argentina.
Real Madrid are interested in signing Gvardiol as well. And despite recent recruitment being done in his position by the Blues, they also remain interested, as football.london understands. According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg he has a €110million (around £97million) release clause in his contract, showing just how much Leipzig value him.
Although Chelsea do not return to European action for another fortnight, several key members at the club in the recruitment department will likely be keeping a close eye on the performance of Gvardiol. Up against Erling Haaland, Gvardiol is set for a tough test, but it is one he has already proved he can pass.
Dortmund and Leipzig faced off in early April of 2022 with Gvardiol and Haaland going head-to-head. With both teams fighting to solidify a place in Europe for next season, Leipzig comfortably came out on top winning 4-1 with Haaland struggling to have a significant impact on the game.
Their battle will now be seen on the elite stage and Gvardiol will certainly believe he is capable of stifling the Norwegian forward again with many potential suitors watching.
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