Champions League Semi-Final draw
The UEFA Champions League Semi-final draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland today as the remaining teams learned of their next opposition.
The draw is as follows:
- Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
- AS Monaco v Juventus
The winner of semi-final two will be the home team in the final this year with the winners of semi-final one the designated away team.
Defending champions Real Madrid will take on city rivals Atletico Madrid for a place in the final. These two sides went head to head in the 2014 and 2016 final with Real triumphing on both occasions. They also faced each other in the 2015 quarter-finals again with Real winning. Atletico Madrid defeated Leicester to earn their place in the semi-finals while Real defeated Bayern Munich. Diego Simeone’s men will look to end their dreadful run of form against Real in this competition and certainly have the ability to do so.
Dark horses AS Monaco face Juventus in the remaining semi-final. For the Ligue 1 side it is their first appearance in the semi-finals for 13 years. Juventus made it to the semi-finals in 2015, defeating Real Madrid before losing the final to FC Barcelona. Monaco have already knocked out Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund. Juventus produced a defensive masterclass to knock out Barcelona and will be favourites heading into this tie. Both sides are filled with talent and this tie will be entertaining for neutral fans.
Monaco and Juventus have met on four occasions in the competition, both at knockout stages. In 1998, a 4-1 home win for the Old Lady laid the foundation for their semi-final success, where they fell to Real Madrid in the final.
Two years ago, the Serie A side edged past Monaco 1-0 aggregate at the quaretr-final stage.
The first legs will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of May with the return legs a week later on the 9th and 10th.
Tuesday 2nd May – Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 3rd May AS Monaco v Juventus
Tuesday 9th May Juventus v AS Monaco
Wednesday 10th May Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid
