Liverpool face Real Madrid without Sergio Ramos in Champions League quarter-finals, Manchester City must find a way to stop Erling Haaland, Chelsea take on Porto

The Champions League returns this week with Liverpool travelling to Spain to take on Real Madrid.

However, there will be no renewed rivalries between Sergio Ramos and Mohamed Salah due to an injury sustained by the Real captain.

Ramos became public enemy number one on Merseyside for his part in Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury during the 2018 Champions League final, which Los Blancos went on to win 3-1.

With both clubs struggling to retain their domestic crowns, the European Cup presents the best chance for them to salvage their season.

Now they will do battle in an intriguing last eight tie.

Liverpool must visit the Bernabeu in the first leg, where they lost 1-0 in a group game seven years ago.

Chelsea, winners in 2012, have been handed a favourable looking draw as they face Porto but must do it on neutral ground because of international coronavirus restrictions.

Thomas Tuchel’s men got past Atletico Madrid 3-0 on aggregate in the last round and will be heavy favourites to overcome the 2004 champions, despite them beating Juventus in the last 16.

If both English clubs progress then they will meet in another instalment of their fierce Champions League rivalry.

Chelsea and Liverpool previously met in the last four in 2004/05, 2006/07 and 2007/08 and also in the 2008/09 quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Manchester City’s quest for a maiden Champions League title will continue with a quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.

City, who have never got past the semi-final of the premier European club competition, will face more German opposition after beating Borussia Monchengladbach in the last 16.

They will come up against the hottest young player on the planet in Erling Haaland.

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If City can get past Dortmund then they will meet either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint Germain in the semi-final.

The German side and PSG, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, are meeting in a repeat of last season’s final.

The quarter-finals will be played over the weeks of April 6/7 and 13/14 while the last four will be played on April 27/28 and May 4/5.

The final is being played in Istanbul on Saturday, May 29.

Source: Sport