The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals were decided this week and only four teams remain alive in the race for the most important club title in Europe. Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund turned things around against Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich took down Arsenal, and Real Madrid defeated Manchester City on penalties.
This means there are still some Brazilians with chances of lifting the coveted trophy this year, although these players are in just two of the semifinalist teams:
- Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão
- PSG – Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo
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++ Rodrygo’s Champions League record that places him alongside Ronaldo, Benzema and Raúl
++ Lino’s Atlético Madrid consolation prize after Champions League exit
++ Raphinha, scorer of Barça’s 600th goal in the Champions League
Therefore, the possibility of Brazil having a European champion again depends on at least one of these two teams advancing to the tournament decider at Wembley. The knockout stage draw placed Madrid and PSG on opposite sides of the bracket, so they could meet in the final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will battle it out for a ticket to London against the Bavarians, while the French club will have to beat Dortmund to pursue their first Champions League trophy.
If the final is between the Bundesliga giants, there will be no Brazilian player as a Champions League winner in 2024. That’s why the five-time world champions will root for both los Blancos and the Parisians.
Dates and kick-off times for the 2023-24 UCL semis
First leg matches
- Bayern vs Real Madrid – Tuesday, April 4 at 4 PM (Brasilia time)
- Dortmund vs PSG – Wednesday, May 5 at 4 PM (Brasilia time)
Second leg matches
- PSG vs Dortmund – Tuesday, May 7 at 4 PM (Brasilia time)
- Real Madrid vs Bayern – Wednesday, May 8 at 4 PM (Brasilia time)
Zagallo documentary by Sambafoot
Sambafoot Series has launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo’ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays – as a player and as a coach. The first two episodes are available in Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.
