The Champions League’s last eight by numbers

The Champions League quarter finals are upon us this week and we’ve broken down each remaining team’s statistics from the competition. 

We looked at each side’s goals, attempts, possession, tackles and clean sheet stats to examine how they play going forward, their passing game and their defensive capabilities. 

This breakdown should give you an idea who the favourites are to win the trophy in Paris in May. 

 

Liverpool

 

Goals: 19

Attempts: 128

Possession: 58.8%

Passing Accuracy: 86.3%

Tackles: 68

Clean Sheets: 3

 

Liverpool qualified for the Champions League quarter finals for the second consecutive season by beating Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 and have been playing some good football in the competition. 

They have scored the third highest number of goals, and Mohamed Salah in particular has had an impressive competition, scoring eight CL goals so far. 

They were knocked out in the quarters last year against Real Madrid. Can they go one step further this year by beating Benfica? 

 

Benfica 

 

Goals: 10

Attempts: 77

Possession: 42.6% 

Passing Accuracy: 81.1%

Tackles: 113 

Clean Sheets: 5 

 

Benfica have the best defensive record of any team remaining in the Champions League, with the joint highest number of clean sheets (5) and the highest number of tackles made (113). 

Players such as centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and defensive midfielder Julian Weigl have been key in ensuring their sturdy back line, and have helped their team to some good results over the likes of Ajax and Barcelona.

But their defence will have to be on top form again when they face Liverpool later tonight. 

 

Champions League: How things stand after the Round of 16

 

Manchester City

 

Goals: 23

Attempts: 137

Possession: 59.5%

Passing Accuracy: 90.9% (Highest)

Tackles: 63

Clean Sheets: 2

 

The favourites Manchester City are still on the hunt for their first-ever Champions League trophy, and Pep Guardiola has had them playing some slick passing football in this year’s competition. 

City have the second highest average possession per game and also the highest passing accuracy percentage, with 90.9% and their ability to retain the ball has undoubtedly been a factor in their success. 

They’ve picked up some excellent wins against the likes of PSG and Sporting Lisbon, but will they triumph over Atletico? 

 

Atletico Madrid

 

Goals: 9

Attempts: 82

Possession: 42.9%

Passing Accuracy: 77.8%

Tackles: 100

Clean Sheets: 2

 

Diego Simeone has won everything except the Champions League with Atletico Madrid, which is quite incredible considering they were a mid-table side when he joined in 2011. 

But he has a difficult quarter final with Manchester City to contend with if he wants to complete the feat this year. 

They are, unsurprisingly, one of the best tackling teams in the competition, and they will have to use all their ‘dark art’ tricks to beat City, in a true tactical battle between Diego and Pep.  

 

Villarreal

 

Goals: 16

Attempts: 94

Possession: 50.8%

Passing Accuracy: 84.4%

Tackles: 81

Clean Sheets: 2

 

Villarreal have done exceptionally well to reach the Champions League quarter finals, with some great results including beating Juventus 3-0 away from home. 

This is the furthest they’ve got in the competition since 2009, when they were knocked out of the quarter-finals by Arsenal after a 3-0 defeat. 

They are real outsiders to win the competition, at odds of 80/1, but Unai Emery’s side shouldn’t be discounted just yet, despite having a very difficult game against Bayern Munich tomorrow night.

 

Bayern Munich

 

Goals: 30 (Highest)

Attempts: 147 (Highest)

Possession: 59.5%

Passing Accuracy: 89.1%

Tackles: 76

Clean Sheets: 4

 

Bayern are third favourites to win the Champions League this year, with odds of 3/1 to lift the trophy. 

It’s actually somewhat surprising their odds aren’t shorter, given they have scored the highest number of goals in the competition (30) and have had the most attempts too (147).

Their main-man Robert Lewandowski is also the CL top scorer so far, with 12 goals in eight matches. Will he score again against Villarreal? 

 

Benzema vs Lewandowski: Who’s more beneficial for their team?

 

Chelsea

 

Goals: 17

Attempts: 118

Possession: 59.9% (Highest)

Passing Accuracy: 88.8%

Tackles: 73

Clean Sheets: 5 (joint highest)

 

The reigning European champions Chelsea top the stats for both possession (59.9%) and clean sheets (5), and this has been reflected in their good form so far.

The Blues have beaten the likes of Juventus and Lille on their road to the quarters, but have their toughest game yet against Real Madrid on Wednesday/ tomorrow night. 

Can Thomas Tuchel shock the world with back-to-back Champions League glory, something that has only been achieved by Real Madrid in 2017? Well, he’ll have to get past Ancelotti’s men to get the chance.  

 

Real Madrid

 

Goals: 17

Attempts: 134

Possession: 53.8%

Passing Accuracy: 89.3%

Tackles: 98

Clean Sheets: 4

 

Real Madrid are the most successful club in the Champions League to date, lifting the trophy an incredible 13 times. 

Carlo Ancelotti has experience in winning the prestigious competition too, winning it with Madrid in 2014, and with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007. 

Although, Madrid aren’t currently in the best form, after losing 4-0 at home to Barcelona a few weeks ago, so Chelsea may well fancy their chances.