Champions League heads for fiery finale

● Which of the eight sides that went into the pot for the Uefa Champions League quarterfinals draw can expect to reach the semifinals? Our correspondent, who was in Lyon for the draw, gives his predictions:

Ajax cannot be underestimated having dethroned Real Madrid and with their exciting young team, with Frenkie de Jong catching the eye, but Juventus will be expected to progress.

They are a wholly different, Cristiano Ronaldo-led prospect to a disorganised, demotivated Madrid side. It will be interesting to see the Dutch attack Juventus’s Giorgio Chiellini- and Leonardo Bonucci-centred defence.

Still Ajax will not fear anyone and could give the Italians a scare. But Juventus should make it. The draw had an unusual feel with neither Bayern Munich nor Real Madrid in the hat, the first time both European giants have failed to reach the last eight since 2005-06.

Prediction: Juventus Liverpool vs Porto

Facing Porto was the draw every other team wanted. They are the rank outsiders even if they have a fiery but highly rated coach in Sergio Conceicao. Liverpool will be delighted — especially as memories will be fresh of the 5-0 thrashing they handed out in Porto last season.

The Portuguese have done well to get this far, knocking out Roma, having overturned a two-goal deficit, but it would be a huge shock if Liverpool do not go through.

Prediction: Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

The first leg should be at Tottenham’s new stadium, which adds another dimension, and Spurs have Harry Kane so they cannot be underestimated.

But City will be expected to go through given their strength and depth and growing momentum. Fixture congestion could be a factor — and the sides will meet just a couple of days after the second leg in the Premier League — and it may well be a lot closer than some might expect.

A good draw for Liverpool’s Premier

League title hopes.

Prediction: Manchester City Barcelona vs Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returns to the Nou Camp — but to face Barcelona rather than Bayern Munich.

It is a daunting draw for United and though Barcelona are not the force of old they have Lionel Messi and with Messi they are favourites, for sure. United have a refound belief having knocked out Paris StGermain with Solskjaer at the wheel and, again, this could be close.

Prediction: Barcelona

Uefa also drew the semifinals on Friday, meaning the winners of Barcelona v United will face either Liverpool or Porto in the last four.

When will the matches be played? April 9/10:

April 16/17:

April 30/May 1:

May 7/8:

Quarterfinals, first leg. Quarterfinals, second leg. Semifinals, first leg. Semifinals, second leg. — © The Daily Telegraph, London