Ancelotti/ Guardiola Derbies: The Running Jokes From The UCL Quarter-Final Draws

The quarter-finals draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) has taken place, with some intriguing match-ups in store.

Chelsea face a tough assignment as they were drawn against Real Madrid, while Manchester City have a challenging task as they take on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

The two English teams could face each other in the semi-final if they progress. On the other side of the draw, AC Milan face Napoli in an all-Italian clash, while Inter Milan face Portuguese giants Benfica. The winners of those two fixtures will face each other in the semi-finals.

The quarter-finals for this season’s UCL  starts on April 18. It is worth noting that despite being drawn at home, Inter Milan will play away from home first against Benfica in their tie.

That is because AC Milan were also drawn at home, and both teams cannot play on the same night at San Siro.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will return to Stamford Bridge in the second leg to face former club Chelsea. The Italian won a Premier League title at Chelsea in 2010, although Europe’s top prize eluded him whilst in England.

He has lifted the Champions League trophy on four occasions, though, with his Real side defending the title they won last season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will face his former club, Bayern Munich, in the quarter-finals stage. The Spaniard spent three seasons at the club between 2013 and 2015, and will be hoping to deny them a seventh Champions League win.

With the potential of an all-English Champions League final now gone, Chelsea and Manchester City will meet at the semi-final stage should they both progress. Meanwhile, an all-Italian clash between AC Milan and Napoli completes the draw.

The semi-finals will take place on April 25 and May 2, with the final set to be played on May 28 in Istanbul. The winners of semi-final two will be the administrative ‘home’ side for the final, with the winners of semi-final one being the ‘away’ side.

Fans will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures, as the Champions League always delivers excitement and drama. It will be interesting to see which teams will come out on top and make it through to the final.