What an incredible season it has been thus far. Fights for the Premier League title and relegation are still very much ongoing, with it almost certainly going down to the wire. What is even more exciting is England’s chances in Europe this season (excluding Brexit of course).
There are four English teams in the quarter finals of the Champions League, and with how the fixtures turned out (Spurs vs Man City), one is guaranteed a semi final place. Manchester United have arguably the worst draw against the world class Barcelona, with Liverpool having somewhat of an easier draw against Porto. There is a high possibility of an all English final, the last time this occurred was over a decade ago. Is English football taking back its standing in European football? Liverpool’s antics last season seemingly sparked its return.
Spurs completely obliterated Dortmund (Germany’s top team at the time) in the round of 16, City stormed past Schalke and Liverpool outplayed German giants Bayern Munich in the second fixture of their tie. Manchester United are arguably very lucky to be in the quarters but they did the business and here they are.
The last English team to win the Champions League was Chelsea way back in 2012, and I think we all remember that final. 2019 seems to be as good a chance as any for an English team to claim domestic footballs most coveted trophy. Spain have dominated this tournament in recent years and with ‘only’ Barcelona left, their European reign could well be over.
We now have a three-week break before the footy competition that everyone loves graces our screens once again, and it could be showing us one (or even more) of the Premier League’s finest going the distance.
Let’s not forget about the Europa League – Chelsea and Arsenal have made it to the quarters in this competition as well. It must be added that Chelsea did it somewhat more comfortably than Arsenal did, a close shave indeed. Manchester United won the competition two years ago but once again (apart from this win) Spain have dominated the competition. Spain are also guaranteed a semi final spot as well with Villarreal facing off against Valencia. Could an English team break Spain’s dominance again in a mere two years?
Could the Premier League be bringing both Champions League and Europa League glory back to English soil? One thing is for certain, the dominant forces of European football of late i.e. Spain, Germany and Italy, are not as invincible as they used to be and English teams are looking very strong and exciting when it comes to these European competitions.
Could the final in May crown a new winner altogether, or will a golden oldie rear its head and claim back their title of old? Only time will tell but the final in Madrid is sure to be a cracker.
