Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Premier League leaders Liverpool in dramatic fashion, advancing to the next stage with a 4-1 win on penalties. . Continue Reading
PSG will now face another English team, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Barcelona set up a clash with Borussia Dortmund in their pursuit of a semi-final spot after an impressive 4-1 triumph over Benfica.
Given Barcelona’s extraordinary form this season, they have become popular favorites among fans and pundits to claim the prestigious title.
Yamal, who delivered a standout performance in Barca’s victory over Benfica, echoed this sentiment, naming Barcelona as the new Champions League favorites following Liverpool’s departure.
Speaking to Spanish outlet SPORT, Yamal said: “We are favorites to win the Champions League now that Liverpool are out of the competition.
“We are not afraid of any team, we are a family… and we’re not the same as one year ago against PSG.”
Lamal got on the score-sheet and set up a goal for Raphinha in his team’s 3-1 victory over Benfica at the Camp Nou.
Manager Hansi Flick was happy for Yamal’s goal, saying: “I’m happy with him, he hadn’t scored for a long time.”
On his team’s win over Benfica, Flick added: “I’m happy, of course. We have respected Benfica, their coach. It was a difficult game for us but we did very well.”
The German coach was also asked whether Barca should be viewed as the favourites to win the Champions League this campaign to which he replied: “We have to see who we play.”
If Barca see off Dortmund, then they await the winners of Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan and could face clubs like Real Madrid or PSG in the final.
