Football fans are in for a treat as the UEFA Champions League enters its hottest stage. The quarterfinals of the most important club tournament in Europe begin this week, with interesting matchups and, unsurprisingly, several Brazilian players in action.
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Tuesday: Arsenal-Bayern and Real Madrid-Manchester City
This stage of the competition will kick off on Tuesday, April 9, with an unmissable double-header for fans of the beautiful game: Arsenal will host Bayern Munich in London, while Real Madrid will face Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu.
On the Gunners’ side, we can expect a strong Brazilian presence, with Gabriel Magalhães possibly starting. Gabriel Jesus has also been involved in the English team’s recent matches, but it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will keep the Palmeiras product in the starting lineup. Gabriel Martinelli, on the other hand, has been a substitute recently.
This week 🤤#UCL pic.twitter.com/4G8y2NsGP2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 8, 2024
In the match taking place in Spain, Brazil will have even more representatives: Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior are expected to start for Real Madrid, with Éder Militão also available. The presence of Ederson for the away side is still uncertain, as despite showing progress in his recovery, it’s not clear if Pep Guardiola considers him 100% ready for this clash.
Wednesday: PSG-Barcelona and Atleti-Dortmund
Champions League action will continue on Wednesday, April 10, with the other two quarterfinal matchups: PSG welcome Barcelona at the Parc des Princes at the same time that Borussia Dortmund visit Atlético Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain’s defense could have two Brazilian players, as Lucas Beraldo is expected to remain in the starting eleven with Marquinhos possibly returning to the lineup after spending time on the sidelines due to a thigh injury. On the other side, Brazil’s representative would be Raphinha, with Vitor Roque possibly among Barça’s substitutes.
In the Spanish capital, Atleti will count on Samuel Lino and Gabriel Paulista, though it remains to be seen if they will start or if they will wait for their chance from the bench.
