Analysing the UEFA Champions League semi-final draw
With the last four finalised, the draws have been picked to select the two teams who will face-off against each other in Kyiv - and it will be Bayern Munich taking on Real Madrid at home in the first leg, while Liverpool will tackle giant killing AS Roma at Anfield.
As the teams step into this crucial stage of the season where they have to balance domestic hopes with European ambitions, it will not be the case this year for the four teams - they are either comfortably out of the title race or have already secured the title. We have on our hands four matches of insane intensity.
That being said, here's a look at the four teams and how they have fared in the competition so far.
#1 Real Madrid
Even the staunchest of Barcelona supporters cannot say that Real Madrid had it easy this year! After a route that consists of matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, APOEL, Paris St. Germain and Juventus, Los Blancos will now be firm favorites to defend their crown.
Even though they have been pitted against Bayern Munich, it is the best case scenario - it is always better to face them over two legs in which you can come up with a plan than a single leg where anything could happen.
With Captain Ramos returning, their defensive woes should be resolved and it will be a long time before they start conceding 3 goals again.
Even more advantageous for the Spaniards is their history - both in the competition and their general inclination to come alive at this stage of the season.
The major problem for Madrid will be James Rodriquez who they loaned out to Bayern in favor of holding on to Isco. With James in blistering form for the Germans, and as it most often happens on the football field, karma might just be around the corner.
But then again, when you have Cristiano Ronaldo, there is not a lot that can scare you. Madrid also relish playing at the Allianz Arena, and while the draw could have been easier, they will still be favorites to travel to Ukraine for the final.