Futbol W: UWCL Round of 16 Recap + Quarter-Finals Predictions + Top 5 Goals of the Playoff Phase

15:07Ali Krieger:But I think Arsenal has this momentum right now that is really untouchable, untouchable, that they have been proving, you know, how good they can be. And I think structurally they've been the most consistent team because they control the games. And I think once you control the game, then everything else, you know, can be successful for you. And that's what they've been doing game in and game out. If you're unable to control the game, then you're going to, you know, have a lot of trouble.

15:36Alexis Nunes:I mean, we've been talking so much about this from the Arsenal perspective, but want to flip to the Chelsea perspective, Natalia, because like I said, this has been the tournament Chelsea have been itching for. It's the one thing that escaped the Emma Hayes. I know Emma will tell you that it is a little thorn in her side. And of course, now they're seeing their WSL title slip away. They're nine points behind off the top of Manchester City, still at the top there. Is this Chelsea's priority now?

16:02Natalia Astrain:I think yes. I think they need to do something good in Champions League. But for me, they are so in the face that they are human. because before it looks like Chelsea was untouchable and it's like, okay, thanks. The only ones that are losing is Barcelona. And I think, yeah, they're coming from different perspectives than Arsenal. Arsenal is going up and Chelsea is going down. So they cross just in this middle of the directions. And I think the game is so interesting. But I think the confidence of Chelsea is not very strong just now and will be very important how they play the first minute of the game.

16:36Natalia Astrain:I have a feeling always like a coach, like the moment, 15, 20 minutes, how you start the game is really important to set up what you want for the game.

16:45Alexis Nunes:Does that make you feel like there's more pressure on Chelsea now going into this one, knowing that this is almost what could save their season?

16:52Ali Krieger:Yeah, I think so. I think they have something to prove now because of just the inconsistency of the way that they've been playing. But also Champions League is just a different tempo, a different attitude, a different feeling. Not that the game has to be different because you want to win and be successful every single time you step out on the field. But I think Champions League, there's just slight margins. And I think it's just a more exciting feeling for players. And there's a lot more to prove for Chelsea now that, you know, the league title is out of reach. And they need to, you know, show up and show out in this moment to really keep their belief alive.

17:28Ali Krieger:Not only as a team, but just at this level internationally.

17:32Alexis Nunes:I mean, this is just such an interesting matchup. Do not give me your predictions yet. We're going to definitely get that going. But I suppose, Natalia, also, what are you looking for in this game? They know each other so well. But, of course, Arsenal has been more successful, believe it or not, in this competition than Chelsea. But Chelsea do technically have more experience in going further than Arsenal. So it's almost like, what are you expecting from these two?

17:55Natalia Astrain:I think probably this moment of the game, I will tell you that the situation changed. Probably if this happens in other seasons, we will say that Arsenal will try to disrupt Chelsea's style of play. But now, how is the situation? I will think that Chelsea now is the team who needs to disrupt the moment, the style of play of Arsenal. Probably they need to be more careful and taking care more what they do to avoid the Arsenal style of play than the opposite direction.

18:28Alexis Nunes:And then selfishly for Ali, we'll just bring it back from a little American perspective. This is a huge moment for Alyssa Thompson as well as every box, but especially Alyssa.

18:36Ali Krieger:Yeah, huge moment. She's been doing, you know, she's been playing with such confidence, but just brilliant football. And we love to see it because we've wanted her to thrive. And now she's proving why she deserves to be there. And, you know, it didn't take her long to really, you know, feel that comfortable and that confident in the Chelsea, in the Chelsea Blues. So I'm really happy for her. But even at this level, this is just a step up for her career. This is just a step up for her personally and for her style of play. I think this game is everything that she's wanted to play in. So it is right there for her.

19:09Ali Krieger:And Chelsea's got to give everything. And they know what they have to do in order to win. They're playing against Arsenal, who, you know, obviously they recently lost to. So they want a little bit of revenge as well. But there's motivation there because Arsenal definitely looks from the outside in super cohesive and super together and the mentality is at the moment unbreakable and they're just building that confidence uh each and every game because they've been playing so well together so it's going to be a tough match for chelsea but they have to give everything and they have the tools to do it they have the players they have the quality they have everything there they just on that day have to show up and and use everything they have if you've shopped online

19:49Alexis Nunes:chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple ShopPay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10 % of all e-commerce in the U.S. From household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful, ready-to-go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place, from inventory to payments to analytics and more.

20:30Alexis Nunes:Spread your brand's word with built-in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic purple ShopPay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your$1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com slash network. Go to shopify.com slash network. Shopify.com slash network. I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule, and my treatment.

21:10Alexis Nunes:So I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo pre-filled syringe, which contains F-Gartigamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit VivgardMyWay.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T MyWay.com. And talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo. Brought to you by Argenics. let's move on to another game that we saw as well in these playoffs real madrid up against paris fc fifth minute is where we pick things up here and uh paris fc with just a shagastrophic moment as they bring themselves down to 10 players yeah this was just not the best defensive

21:59Ali Krieger:decision early on in the game the first few minutes um unfortunate there you should never let a ball bounce. It's really tough to time it, right? So she didn't get it right, and then she had to try to make up for it. Obviously, it's really tough to see because, you know, if this never happened, then maybe Paris would have had a chance.

22:19Alexis Nunes:Yeah, it's hard when you go down to 10 with just five minutes on the clock. We go straight into the second half for this one. Eva Navarro, her cross, is eventually going to find Feller, who helps it in on goal, and Madrid take the 1-0 lead.

22:34Natalia Astrain:Yeah, I would say that the service of Eva Navarro was perfect, was just there and I think Eva Navarro was one of the best players in the game.

22:45Alexis Nunes:67th minute now, something that I don't think was needed but we will have an own goal and Real Madrid will take the 2-0 lead and that's all she wrote in this one. Real Madrid are the ones that advance to the quarterfinals. Well, here's Shaban and Leanne Sanderson with Sarah Dabritz.

23:06Natalia Astrain:I mean, it's really important we came here to win and of course the red card helped us a lot this evening. But yeah, I'm very happy. So yeah.

23:16Alexis Nunes:And Philippa, I was saying as well, you know, that wasn't the only reason why you won that game because of the red card. But what changed in your game plan when you go up, you know, you're down to 10 players after five minutes. What changed?

23:27Natalia Astrain:No, not so much actually, just keep trusting and playing our game and of course we need to like switch to play more and let them run and then the spaces will open and yeah we had a few chances in the first half but yeah, Melen saved us, El saved them but yeah at least we scored two goals. Is it difficult as well because obviously we're talking a lot before the game about you guys getting through playing against barcelona everybody's excited for it like are you thinking about that already no i think that will come like we are here right now so we don't think about that even a little bit no we will see after this game

24:12Alexis Nunes:all right so a big win for real madrid in this one as they advance to the quarter for the third time in five appearances in this competition. But there is the big one. They will be facing Barcelona in the quarterfinals. That is definitely easier said than done, even though we can't count out anyone just yet. We're going to talk about the fact that we're having an El Clásico in the quarterfinals. But first things first, Real Madrid, what stood out to you from these two legs, Ali? because I felt like we were left wanting a bit more, especially in this game. Just being honest.

24:48Ali Krieger:Well, unfortunately, the penalty kick had happened early on in the first part of the game. So that was unfortunate.

24:55Alexis Nunes:The game was gone, then, you think.

24:57Ali Krieger:Yeah, it was pretty much done. But what Madrid did well was the use of width. I think Navarro's crosses and the timing were brilliant. She was one of the best players, if not the best player for Madrid. So I think they shifted the ball quickly. the fixed defenders inside and created those crossing lanes that they needed in order to create those goal scoring opportunities. And then they just never gave up. They always felt like in control. They had a plan. And I think they were able to, you know, break Paris FC down easily. And there wasn't that much urgency on the opposite side of the field from Paris FC.

25:38Ali Krieger:So I think that gave them a bit of an advantage to continue that possession and create those opportunities. So ultimately, I think that's the structural manipulation that they had. It wasn't just pure luck. The beginning of the game really was unfortunate for Paris.

25:55Alexis Nunes:Yeah, Natalia. I mean, if you're just managing Paris FC and you just see that red card earlier on in the game, five minutes on the clock, how difficult is it to adjust your tactics? Do you just have to throw everything out the window now? And is it just like game management, game management?

26:10Natalia Astrain:Well, you imagine all the week working about this game, you're motivating your player. We are only one goal, no? We need to score one goal and tie, you know, and let's go. And then five minutes and one player is out. I probably changed the plan. As a coach, probably you work in these situations because all the coaches this level, you work, okay, what happens if we play with one player less? But it's something that you never want this happen. and enhance all your plans. And probably I was a little surprised about the intensity, about the ambitions of the Paris, but even having one player less, I didn't see this like willing to go to attack.

26:49Natalia Astrain:They were very conservative, dropping, defending. And of course Real Madrid was a really good team playing, but I was expecting something else. It's like, okay, you don't have anything to lose. It's the second leg of the game. Let's go. If you lose for 5-0, you lose for 5-0. But at least you try. And I was a little more disappointed about saying more about Paris.

27:14Alexis Nunes:All right. Well, as for Real Madrid, like I said, they're going to have to try very, very hard in the quarterfinals because their opponents is yet another familiar rival and one that I'm sure they hate to see coming. It's El Clásico, Barcelona against Real Madrid. And if you just have a look at their last 10 games, this probably will not surprise you that Barcelona have absolutely owned Los Blancos in this one. And I mean, it's funny I was going to say that they've owned them in their last 10 outings, but Natalia wants to secretly whisper they've owned them forever. Forever. Forever. Yeah, exactly.

27:47Alexis Nunes:I mean, it's just, it's hard to even compare or see anything but Barcelona in this one. Ali, if you're the Real Madrid players on the team, and of course you're enjoying getting back into the quarterfinals again of the Champions League, you want to say yes, it's a clean slate. It's a new day. It's a new game. This is not the league. It's a knockout. Everyone has a chance, but you're going up against Barcelona again. Mentally, how do you prepare for this?

28:11Ali Krieger:Yeah, you've lost to them in the past three opportunities that you've played them. And what the goal scores, the total was 10-0, I assume. So, yeah, it's tough from a mentality standpoint to think that you're just going to show up and win. you have to be able to bring everything. Obviously, on any day, any team can win. Both teams have to show up on the same surface at the same time and perform the way that they know how. But right now, I think Barcelona is just way too... They have just the quality, the consistency. They're on an elite level compared to even every other team in the Champions League at the moment.

28:54Ali Krieger:So it's going to be a tough task for Real to show up and perform the way that they want to. But they are playing with that confidence. They are able to score goals. They have the capability. And any day, any team can win. So I wouldn't be shocked, but I don't think that at Camp Nou, that you're going to be able to come out with a win against Barcelona. I put pressure here. Yeah.

29:23Alexis Nunes:No, but Natalia, these two teams, you know them probably better that all of the other teams and they know each other very, very well. That's what I'm getting at because I feel like everyone knows how Barcelona plays and Real Madrid have the most experience of all the other teams playing against them. They know exactly how they play. They know how they set up. They know what to expect. And I know it's easier said than done, but they must know what they can do to disrupt that play and to try and hurt them. If you're the coaching staff, what are you telling your players? How can they land at least a punch on Barcelona?

29:54Alexis Nunes:Maybe so it's not 6-0, it's 6-1? Well, I don't know if I want to provide ideas to Real Madrid, but let's try. Let's try to play. Like I said, easier said than done.

30:02Natalia Astrain:You can have a game plan. Well, it's fair to say that Real Madrid this season is more competitive. I think the distance is still being very big between both teams, but I think Real Madrid is more competitive. I think the new coach, Pau Quesada, implemented a more disciplined organization, but in the defending phase. For me, they need to improve a little bit in the attacking phase. And this is something that they need urgent for trying to beat Barcelona. The way that they can beat Barcelona probably is exploiting the back line. Barcelona play in a very high, high block. And sometimes disregard the back line, usually in the fullbacks, because they play with this player, like push up a lot.

30:47Natalia Astrain:I think that Real Madrid will need to be very strong in the midfielders. Like trying to regain the ball, like the contra press. If they lose the ball, trying to press so, so, so fast. And then one time they win this ball, trying to play very fast. Like two, three passes, no more than that. Because if you are a little slow, then Barcelona have time to come back. And then they disrupt in this attacking. Real Madrid need to be very sharp. press contra press and play with very fast transitions.

31:19Alexis Nunes:And just to follow with Natalia as well, just in terms of who Real Madrid have personnel, I mean, it's hard to match them up pound for pound for who Barcelona have, but one of their special talents is Linda Caicedo, you know. Do you see her being used as a weapon or how can Real Madrid use her as a weapon that can probably work against Barcelona?

31:41Natalia Astrain:Well, I think that Linda Caicedo is this player and everybody is oh she's one of the superstars of Real Madrid but for me the player is being like a incredible is Caroline Weir the Scotland player she is making the big changer for me she's very consistent she organized the midfielders she stepped into the box with the late runs I think Real Madrid has some different players that can be a trigger but I feel like everybody is talking about Linda Caicedo and we need to be a little fair with with other players but I feel the association and the relationship with this player, even with Feller, that is a really other good player, the France player.

32:19Natalia Astrain:And for me, the Jasmín Ribeiro, because I love fullbacks that are going up and going to the attack. And I think Jasmín Ribeiro can be a really interesting player. When Real Madrid tried, for example, to regain the ball and switching the point attack and playing with player exploiting the outside lines. All right.

32:39Alexis Nunes:Well, as Ali mentioned, Barcelona will be playing at the Camp Nou. This is, I mean, as historic stadiums just in world football go, I mean, this probably has to be right up in the top three. It's good to see it back open again. But still, that's probably the only thing that could put some pressure on Barcelona because that's a huge moment walking out there. We have already seen Barcelona at Femeni sell out the Camp Nou for an El Clasico 2 now in the quarterfinals of a Champions League game. I mean, how do they manage this going out? Just talk to me as a player what you're thinking in those first 15 minutes walking out on such a big occasion.

33:15Alexis Nunes:Just connect the first pass.

33:17Ali Krieger:Connect the first pass. Try drowning out the sound of. I don't think it's going to be this nervousness feeling. I think it's going to be the adrenaline of wanting to play in front of such a crowd. This is a footballer's dream. This is what we've wanted to do our entire lives is to walk out into a full stadium. There's nothing worse. than walking out into a stadium with two men and a dog, you know, in the stands. You have, you know, no one there supporting. It's really difficult. Obviously, you not only play for yourself and your teammates and for the love of the game, but with, you know, 95-plus thousand fans cheering for you and supporting you, that just gives you that fire that you want to be able to perform well.

34:02Ali Krieger:But I do want to mention about what Natalia had said in the fullbacks. I just don't think in this situation, of course, in front of all these fans as well, if their fullbacks are going to want to defend for the full 90 plus minutes against Barcelona. So they're going to have a tough task ahead of them. But it's going to be a beautiful atmosphere.

34:21Alexis Nunes:Yeah, it's going to be a beautiful atmosphere. One that I'm sure you know well, too, Natalia. But with that atmosphere, Barcelona are just going to go absolutely at them from the first whistle, aren't they?

34:31Natalia Astrain:Yes. The feeling with the people in Barcelona, the Barcelona supporters, is almost the same that when they play the men's team. And I usually don't like to compare, but this feeling about the energy, oh we play this big, big game, you can feel this in the city, in the supporters, in all the people there. And it's so beautiful. Remember that in the last time that they played each other, they beat the attendance record. The people in reality are engaged with the team, the club invest in the women's teams that there are something else that i feel the real madrid is not yet yeah even for the real madrid club investing in the women's about money about everything and then for the people i think we were talking yesterday in the game with rodra the guy was covering from and say well the people is not very excited about playing against barcelona but But if you ask this on the other side, in Barcelona, the people will tell you, let's go.

35:32Alexis Nunes:Oh, yeah. I've been to Barcelona many a times. And it could be the men's team, the women's team, the dog's team, the cat's team. If it's one thing they love, it's beating Real Madrid. So this is going to be such a good tie. All right. Shall we get to the other big game of the day, shall we? Manchester United. Debutants in this competition. Can you tell where my bias lies? Up against Atletico. Why? Why? Up against Atletico de Madrid. United were already 3-0 ahead on aggregate in this one. 28th minute, though. They take another goal.

36:08Ali Krieger:Yeah, brilliant. Way to keep this low. This is difficult, especially with a cutback ball like that. And then, unreal. Just, I think this is one of the best goals that I've seen in such a long time. Wraps it around, but able to lift it over everyone. Everyone, the goalkeeper, barely saw it go in the back of the net. Amazing, amazing start.

36:30Alexis Nunes:Absolute beautiful stuff there, but not so beautiful here from Perez. She receives a yellow card for that foul, and then just a couple minutes later, she will pick up another yellow card, and, well, she has to be sent off. She gone. And that's just something Atleti did not need at this point in the game. But anyways, the Reds go marching on, on, on. into the quarterfinals for the first time. Like I said, they are making history. Debutants and into the quarterfinals of this one where they will face Bayern Munich. Manchester United now the fourth English club to reach the quarterfinals in its debut season of the UEFA Women's Champions League.

37:14Alexis Nunes:Well, Farah and Alex managed to catch up with the girl who did that stunning goal, Jess Park. Jess, a huge congratulations through to the Champions League quarterfinals. How does that feel?

37:28Natalia Astrain:Yeah, amazing. I think we're all buzzing, you know. I think we've made history again with this team, and I think, you know, we're going from strength to strength, and I think, yeah, we're really happy with that.

37:36Alexis Nunes:Jess, we just want to run your goal, because what a sensational goal. Just talk us through, as the ball is coming to you, what is going through your head in that moment?

37:47Natalia Astrain:I was thinking, Hinnie better pass it, and then I was like, I'm going to have a pop, and then, yeah. You wanted a better pass? No, no, no, I didn't know if she was going to pass it or not, and I was like, I hope she passes it, so yeah. A little bit of a repeat from the weekend, in terms of the angle, distance. Is it something you're working on, or just in a moment?

38:07Alexis Nunes:A little bit, but I mean, I missed all the shots in the warm-up, so I was like, I better not do that when it comes to the game.

38:15Alexis Nunes:All right, Jess Park there with an absolute worldie. We're going to talk more about her goal in just a bit. But let me have this moment, guys. Let me have this moment about Manchester. It's your moment, lady. Let's go. Let's have this moment as if I was out there. No, but I mean, massive season for Manchester United because I remember even speaking with you guys off camera, just wondering how United would fare in the Champions League. Debutants in this one lost some players in the summer. Did they have the squad depth to really last in the Champions League while also trying to make a run in the WSL.

38:44Alexis Nunes:They are currently managing both. I mean, girls. But are they looking like they should have been our dark horses and not Juventus?

38:56Ali Krieger:Maybe, because I've actually been really, really impressed with this young, talented group who have this nothing-to-lose mentality. They're showing up. They're playing well. They also look cohesive. They're connected. They have a good understanding of each other's space, and they're making each other look good. And I've been really impressed. And I know that from playing for Mark Skinner, he's just really good at that developmental face. And I think with maybe not so much with his older experience. I know you're stubborn and you don't want to follow him. No, exactly. We're a little too stubborn for him.

39:35Ali Krieger:But no, but I could see such a shift in a lot of our younger players and just the structure that he wanted to provide and the philosophy that he was implementing. And I know that you can tell that a lot of these younger players are bought in and they're willing to do that work and they're willing to play the style that he wants to play. And it's been so fun to watch because they do have this fun and this freedom that they're playing with because they don't feel that pressure to have to be their best all the time. They know that they need to show up and play well, but I think they have this little chip on their shoulder, and that's what's helping them play so confidently.

40:21Alexis Nunes:We love to see it. We love to see it. But Natalia, just hearing Ali speak about this group of players and working with Mark Skinner and what he's brought out in them, it sounds like a coach's dream as a coach yourself. What's impressed you the most about Manchester United, specifically in these two legs?

40:37Natalia Astrain:I see the Manchester United like a more tactical structure. I think that they are having fun. The game and the style of play is so enjoyable, but the foundation of the tactical component is so big. You see all the distance between lines are very coherent. The movement of the players looks like, oh, they are playing. No, but behind that, I think there are a lot of work. I feel all the players, when they go on the field, they know absolutely very clear what is the role. And we saw, link in the comment of Ali today, Anderson, 17 years old, she played the first time with Manchester United in the Champions League.

41:15Natalia Astrain:And 17 years old, what a dream, right? And I feel like, yeah, I see the movement in the back line, the contra press. It's a team that recovery a lot of balls in the middle. And this made you play before very close to the opponent half because they are very, very consistent in this press in the middle.

41:35Alexis Nunes:Ali, mentally, as you said, it's still such a young group of players, but now you're in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in your debut season. This is where the big girls play, you know what I mean? Mentally, what does this do to these young group of players? Like, say, now even going back domestically, does it just fill them with that much more confidence?

41:51Ali Krieger:Yeah, I think so. I don't think you necessarily go in thinking that you are less experienced or a lot younger. I think they have this go-for-it mentality where they have nothing to lose and they want to win and they want to play at this level and they want to prove their value. And I think that we have been watching them now and the Champions League just super impressed and now are so much more appreciative of the way that they play. But something that also has been super impressive with Man United is that they defend in layers and they fully commit together. And I think structurally they're super compact defensively and they're willing to fight for the ball back immediately and get numbers behind the ball and then be able to go in waves again.

42:39Ali Krieger:So I think that's been really impressive from a defender's mentality just to watch how successful that has helped their attack.

42:47Alexis Nunes:I like that phrase, defending in layers. It does sound beautiful. And let us not forget that they also have the Great Wall of Manchester in between the sticks in Fallon Solis Joyce. I mean, girl has been holding it down another clean sheet. We got to give the goalkeepers their flowers, but everyone loves to see goals. So let's talk about the goal that we saw. It was so nice that we have to show it thrice. Jess Park take an absolute bow, 24 years old and scoring like she's been doing this for 30 years. Natalia, you and Ali were having a little chit chat about this while she was talking about it.

43:18Alexis Nunes:What did you love most about it?

43:19Natalia Astrain:Well, I like how she positioned herself before receiving the ball. Then she gave directional control. She looked up and she said, hey, I want to send the ball there. And she sent the ball there. I don't want to be a little controversial with you. I want we continue to be friends. But I think the Atletico Madrid back line was very passive. I think that someone needed to step and jump in a little and press. But the goal is a beautiful goal.

43:42Alexis Nunes:Yeah, I think Atleti would have needed Jesus and his disciples to stop that from going in, Ali. Or Ali Krieger, to be honest. But Ali, what did you think of it?

43:49Ali Krieger:Yeah, I agree. I think Atletico Madrid, we're taught that, you know, especially on a corner kick phase or set piece like that, When the ball goes backwards, as defenders defending the box, you have to step out and get everyone out of the box. One, to get players offside, but also put pressure on the ball so there's no service allowed and then no goals like that. It was brilliant. It was decisive. And, yeah, she took her opportunity. She took the space and she saw that she could create this opportunity for herself and she nailed it.

44:20Alexis Nunes:She nailed it indeed. Now, up next for Manchester United is a giant, though, Bayern Munich. However, a giant that's not really been convincing. And Natalia, when we look at all of the others that Manchester United could have gotten, like Barcelona, like Lyon as well, they probably would fancy their chances against this Bayern right now the most.

44:39Natalia Astrain:Well, I think that the Bayern saw in Champions League like a two-faces. The first game, they concede a lot of goals against Barca, but then they make an amazing game against Arsenal. What Bayern will we see in the next game? This is the big question. But I feel like in the momentum that now Manchester United is and how they play, they are so fresh, very intense. They can beat Bayer. Bayer is a more structured, more German team, you know, like how they circulate the ball, move one side to other. And I think if Manchester United is able to disrupt this movement of the ball to try to press, but choosing in the right time when they need to press, like a very compact in the middle block, probably, allowing the Bayern to come in a little bit in order to create a space behind the back line and then choosing the timing to press, recover the ball and then play the way they play.

45:35Natalia Astrain:And they have a really good players, Manchester United as a forward. Today, Malar was not very, very, very good, but in the first game against Real Madrid, the French player was incredible. So I feel like there are a lot of ways that Manchester United can be Bayern.

45:52Alexis Nunes:And Ali, you know exactly what it's like to play for German clubs and against German clubs very, very well. What does United need to get right, even in just the first half or the first 15, 20 minutes of that game?

46:03Ali Krieger:Well, we know that German teams can be super aggressive. So Bayern, you know, they're going to force the chaos. So we talk about structure with United. They have to be, you know, thriving within that structure that they create and be confident but composed. I think they have to have the patience, especially in the attack, but defensively connected, composed, compact. And I think that's what will really help them start off on a good foot at the beginning stages of the game because tempo is going to be key. Controlling that tempo against Bayern will be key, showing up in this first leg.

46:39Alexis Nunes:And I tell you, as Ali was saying, this is such a young group of players too that are obviously playing with such freedom because it's almost like no real pressure, nothing to lose really first time in this tournament, everything to gain. But if you're Mark Skinner and you find yourselves in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, you're like, OK, this is this is business now, you know. But so how do you kind of find that balance with still allowing your players to have that freedom and fun? But also, guys, now this is, like I said, where the big girls play.

47:06Natalia Astrain:But for me as a coach, I will keep this press on me. I will try not transmit this to the team because the moment and the joy and the fun that the players are having, they need to keep that. They are very, like, no press for them. And, like, as a staff, as a coach, you need to manage it. Like, OK, we know that now it's business, but we will manage that. But with the team, let's try to continue this fluid style of play because I think that Manchester United is so fluid now in attack and in defense phase as well.

47:39Alexis Nunes:Do you let them have a little cervecita to celebrate the moment? Copita de vino?

47:43Natalia Astrain:This is the hard word for the coaches, that sometimes you know the things, but you need to choose what you say, how you work with the player. You cannot be completely transparent in this way because you need to choose really well what is the moment, what is the information, and how you work these kind of games. And players see that immediately.

48:03Ali Krieger:We see that stress that the coach is carrying if they're then projecting. Are you thinking that no?

48:10Natalia Astrain:She was hiding it well.

48:11Ali Krieger:No, if they're projecting it onto the team, if they're trying to find the right thing to say it's just um ultimately we have to go out there and just do what you do best and what um you would do any other day and and what you do in training so as players we don't like that that extra stress so you handle all the other business side and then we'll handle what we've been doing consistently in training all week to prep for this match um so leave it to us but i completely agree once we feel that that slight bit of stress and pressure um you know then And sometimes it trickles through the cracks and you don't ultimately play the way that you normally would any other day.

48:52Alexis Nunes:As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery. They're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com, or just stop by. Do you know what the scariest sound to hear on a factory floor is?

49:28Alexis Nunes:Silence. That means something, somewhere, broke. Production has stopped, and now you're paying workers to wait while the team troubleshoots and fixes the problem. Finally, there's a proactive way to reduce equipment downtime thanks to MaintainX. MaintainX is the AI-powered maintenance and asset management system that brings your unplanned maintenance downtime to zero. MaintainX lets you build preventative maintenance schedules, manage work orders in real time, and access the data you need to make better decisions. Try MaintainX for free. Control the daily operations of your business and transform your maintenance program.

50:06Alexis Nunes:Go to maintainx.com slash sports. That's maintain and the letter x.com slash sports. Juventus, they were also hoping to get to the quarterfinals. They went up against a team that Ali knows very well, Wolfsburg. 18th minute is where we pick things up. This game was probably the most even. It might as well have been nil-nil. They went into this one 2-2, but it's Wolfsburg that take the lead in the 18th minute.

50:35Ali Krieger:Yes, Fenja Huth, one of my former teammates at SFFC Frankfurt, a brilliant player. I played with her when she was just 16, but she plays a brilliant through ball to Vivian Edeman, who slots it in the goal.

50:48Alexis Nunes:24th minute, Savai with an attempt at goal, but it's saved.

50:54Ali Krieger:Yeah, this was, you know, unfortunate because one of the many chances that Hube created just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. Near post, tough angle. But here, once again, beautiful ball cut back, just bouncing off of the crossbar, deflections, blocks. Once again, Wolfsburg in this match did brilliant box defending, and that is why Juve just couldn't find the back of the net.

51:21Alexis Nunes:Yeah, Juventus wondering how on earth, what will it take for them just to see that ball go into the back of the net? Oh, my days. Another attempt here, but it would just go over the bar.

51:34Ali Krieger:Yeah, once again, the defending and also Johannes, the goalkeeper, kept Wolfsburg in this match. But defensively, impressive, impressive performance by their back line and box defending was brilliant.

51:45Alexis Nunes:Well, Juventus wondering if they could fight for one in injury time, but no, it would go Wolfsburg way. Cora Sakai, who comes off of the bench, just smashes it in under the crossbar to give Wolfsburg the two-nil lead in this one. and of course their passage to the quarterfinals. What a moment.

52:05Ali Krieger:Yeah, the two game changers coming into the game, affecting this and creating this goal scoring opportunity. I think she'll remember that forever.

52:12Alexis Nunes:I think she absolutely will. So Wolfsburg has advanced to the UEFA Women's Champions League quarterfinals in 12 of the last 13 editions. They were eliminated in the group stage last season. So big moment for them and their coach. Let's hear from Stefan Lerch.

52:31Natalia Astrain:Stefan, congratulations! I can imagine that that game has aged you probably about 10 years on the sideline. Sitting and watching your side defend like that.

52:44Natalia Astrain:They defended so incredibly well, so much character in there.

52:48Alexis Nunes:Yes, of course, with a lot of passion. Of course, in the second half we were lucky in some situations, to be honest, and we had a good goalkeeper today. but yeah they put a lot of energy in the second half and in the defense behavior so I'm very proud of the team.

53:04Natalia Astrain:Okay how much was it the plan to sit in and how much was it?

53:10Alexis Nunes:No that was not the plan I think in the first half we had good opportunities we controlled the midfield area and that was the plan. In the second half Juventus put a lot of pressure into our half and in the box and yeah as I said we had to defend as good as possible to give everything and the counter-attacks were not good enough in the situation and we had no time to rest a little bit so that was difficult but that was not the plan but in the end we could win and reach the next round.

53:54Alexis Nunes:That must have been worst nightmare as a coach to sit through that second half. Indeed, at least until that injury time goal went in. But in the end, Wolfsburg got the job done. But Ali, are we talking more about how Juventus let this go away as opposed to what Wolfsburg did right? Because as even Stefan alluded to, nothing really went according to what his plan was supposed to be apart from them just getting the win.

54:17Ali Krieger:Yeah, I think that mentality and experience obviously helped Wolfsburg get through to the next round. But I think Juventus controlled stretches, but Wolfsburg definitely understood the moments. Defensively, they were brilliant. And, you know, we could laugh about that because they didn't mean to sit in most of the game or at least the second half. But, you know, the difference was Juve had so many chances. They created so much, but couldn't get the ball in the back of the net. And it only took Wolfsburg a couple chances. And that's the biggest difference, where you have a team who might be defending most of the second half, but they have one or two chances and they're able to put the ball in the back of the net.

54:55Ali Krieger:So that's going to be the difference moving into these next rounds where you have to put the ball away once you get that chance, and it can only be one. And that will create the separation from the elite teams against the good teams.

55:09Alexis Nunes:I mean, Natalia, we can break this down a million ways, but is it just as simple as that, that the number one rule in football and maybe even in life. You've got to take your chances. And that's just what Juventus did not do and Wolfsburg did.

55:21Natalia Astrain:I think the quality of the player is different. And Juventus play well as a team, but I feel Wolfsburg have a little more quality and more clinical decision in the final third. And they were more decisive. Wolfsburg, like Ali say, can be like 60 minutes defending, but in the moment that they go forward, they are very vertical, they are very incisive, and they have this quality of the players that score this kind of goals. And this is the difference, right? When we see the teams, okay, you can play well as a team, but you need good quality of the players as well.

55:54Alexis Nunes:Yeah, and I know that when we were making our early season predictions, Ali, you, of course, had Juventus as a dark horse. What impressed you so much about them then when you made that decision? And how do you feel it all came apart now that we can do a little bit of a post-mortem?

56:06Ali Krieger:Yeah, I think that they, you know, they controlled stretches of the game, right? But once again, I said that, you know, Wolfsburg, for example, People just understood the moments. They had late discipline. They had smarter pressure triggers. You know, just the quality of created chances. So the late game composure and discipline really separated themselves from Juve and, you know, just ultimately decided that matchup. So they had a great run. Juve was impressive in moments. But for a complete performance, Wolfsburg, you know, was the better team.

56:41Alexis Nunes:Was the best team indeed. Are they the better team, though, going up against their opponents in the quarterfinals? Because who did they get a difficult draw as well? They have got the Giants that are Lyon in this one. We know how much they own this competition, really and truly, despite Barcelona's most recent successes in it. Natalia, if you're Wolfsburg, how do you approach this next game now? Do you just kind of play it safe, suck up some of that pressure that we saw? they did so well although I'm sure they wouldn't want to go after that that stress and maybe try to steal one on the counter or something how do they go up

57:18Natalia Astrain:against Leon well I think they need to be very disciplined and defending face very organized very for example probably mid-block compact the lines really really close each other avoiding that the only Olympic Leon is like to play between lines and so trying to be compact and knowing that could be or will be a little chances not a lot but they need to be the same like a very very decisive in the in the final third but i think that if there are a team can have this mentality is a german team no being very disciplined and then take advantage the moments that they they have the opportunity to to score olympic is a team like we compare styles probably we can compare with barcelona team go forward the full bus go up and then there are a space to exploit that and they need to be able to do that looking for for example if I am the coach of balls where I will leave my my forwards up trying to match like a 2v2 with the back line trying to switch the point attack and attacking the opposite spaces that when the full full bus go up then trying to exploit it and then be very very effective Like, OK, we don't want to have the ball a lot.

58:32Natalia Astrain:We don't we cannot do the 10 passes less that recovery the ball and try to finish or arrive the final third in four touches, if it's possible, better than in 10. Ali, is that how you approach them, too?

58:45Ali Krieger:Yeah, I think that tactically, Leon, we all know they dominate in those central overloads. But if Wolfsburgs can't protect those half spaces, then they'll have a really difficult time. So I completely agree. We all know also psychologically that Lyon has been successful playing against Wolfsburg the past seven or eight opportunities. So I think they really need to be able to get over that and mentally prepare that this is a new game. This is a new challenge and they have to step up and be ready for that challenge and roll their sleeves up a little bit to be able to get after it. because they know that Lyon is going to bring everything and the quality that they have and the way that they're performing is somewhat of like a Barcelona.

59:32Ali Krieger:Not exact, but it's somewhat of, you know, reminds us a little bit of a Barcelona, that possession-oriented style. It's really, really attractive. So they're going to have a big, big matchup.

59:42Alexis Nunes:Yeah, big matchup indeed. A couple of big matchups coming your way in the quarterfinals. Let's just have a look at all of the games that we can expect. This is one side of the quarterfinal bracket. Like I said, it's going to be a London derby as Arsenal take on Chelsea. And then the two teams we were just speaking about, Wolfsburg up against the Giants, Olympic Lyonnais. And then we'll go to the other side of the bracket where you will find Manchester United up against German Giants as well, Bayern Munich. And then Natalia, cannot wait to see her Barcelona in action up against Real Madrid. I think that if we were picking predictions, that is probably the one that everybody would choose first.

1:00:25Alexis Nunes:Rich Eisen here. You know that feeling of handing off your taxes and then hearing nothing? Total radio silence. Well, not anymore. Now your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full-service expert who checks for every deduction and keeps you in the loop with real-time updates on your phone. Just match with your dedicated expert. Upload your docs and go live your life. Confident you're getting every dollar you deserve. This is how taxes should be. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app. Only available with TurboTax full-service experts. Quick timeout.

1:01:02Natalia Astrain:Some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak Frozen Power Waffles and Flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it, and you're out the door. No long prep, no complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving,

1:01:17Alexis Nunes:a good source of fiber and crafted with 100 % whole grains, not refined white flour. So you're getting something that actually fuels you. And there's depth on the roster. Buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry, chocolate chip, even gluten-free options. Breakfast that delivers, snack that delivers. Find Kodiak frozen waffles and flapjacks in the frozen aisle at your local grocery store. They're the ones with the bear on the box and a proud partner of U.S. Ski and Snowboard. Finally we're gonna get their picks for the quarterfinals and I've got a nice little simulation here little touchscreen vibes as you can see I hold all the power in these hands they're gonna give me the picks and we'll see so the first one and we are starting on a difficult one because you guys don't know but off camera we've been looking at each other and going so who'd you got for Chelsea who'd you guys got for this one and we're all like so now it's judgment day Ali, let me start with you.

1:02:15Alexis Nunes:Who are you taking? I think Arsenal. Oh, you said that with our chest.

1:02:18Ali Krieger:I know Chelsea, they both have the quality. They both have the quality. I think I can go home now and feel safe going back home because, you know, we have a split household. Yeah, I don't think she'd let you back in. No, I don't think she'd let you back in. She'd lock you out of your own house. Exactly. Even though I'm a huge Chelsea fan. And, you know, I enjoy watching Alyssa Thompson thrive there and Naomi Germa. as well in Arsenal. And I think the way that they've been performing recently just gives them that slight advantage.

1:02:50Alexis Nunes:All right. Well, Ali said that pretty quickly. Natalia?

1:02:52Natalia Astrain:I would say Chelsea. Okay, we're split. I love that. Mariona, I'm so sorry. I know you play in Arsenal. And I really like how Arsenal play. But Naomi Girma, she's one of my favorite players. Oh, yeah. And I think, okay, let's try to be a little balanced with Ali.

1:03:11Alexis Nunes:Yeah, fair. All right. So they're split down the middle for this one. We will see which side of London is the happiest after this one. Will it be West London or North London? Next matchup now. Oh, I mean, how long do we need to linger on this one? I should move Natalia's own already. I'm not going to move Natalia's own already. And Natalia, tell me for the three millionth time why you don't think but know Barca will win this one.

1:03:34Natalia Astrain:Yeah, I think that, yeah. Probably Real Madrid will be some more competitive. I try to put something there. No one kill me, please. If you are a Real Madrid supporter, don't kill me. But I think that the real situation is that Barca is a little forward than Real Madrid.

1:03:52Ali Krieger:Alli? Barcelona. I think they're the benchmark. I mean, the way that they perform is on such an elite level that they should win. Yeah, I mean, when is going to win?

1:04:03Alexis Nunes:What can we say? Next one. You don't do your prediction, by the way. No, we only have Alli and Atavia. You're waiting for Manchester United. You're waiting only for Manchester United. I don't even know. I'm afraid to predict that one. But next one, the one that we were just talking about, Lyon up against Wolfsburg. A spirited Wolfsburg going up against the Giants, the Arrolympique Lyonnais. Natalia, what do you see in this one? I would love to see Wolfsburg winning, but I think Lyon will win. All right, so she's going to go with Lyon. Ali, is that clear cut for you two?

1:04:34Ali Krieger:Yeah, I obviously want a good matchup. and I think Wolfsburg, they have the quality but not as consistent as Lyon. And I think Lyon is definitely going to win, especially with the history and the way that they've been showing that they perform against each other. Lyon takes it the last seven times, so I think they're the clear winner.

1:04:56Alexis Nunes:All right, well, that one was straightforward then. Manchester United now up against the Bayern Munich, a Bayern Munich who we see not as strong as we have seen them before. What do you expect from this one, Natalia? Manchester United. Whoa!

1:05:11Natalia Astrain:I really enjoy watching this team. And honestly, I'm not traditional, like a Manchester United supporter, but I need to say that it's fair that this team is being so enjoyable and I really like the tactical component that I mentioned before. And I support the teams that are really good at structure and playing with this freedom and enjoyable style of attack. Just quickly, what's not impressing you or convincing you the most about Bayern now? Because they are very inconsistent and I don't know what Bayern we will face or they will face in the team. She's a we now. But I like more the teams that play with this happy and fun style of play at Manchester United than opposite Bayern.

1:05:55Natalia Astrain:It's more structured, more organized, but a little less fun. Yeah, fair, fair.

1:06:00Ali Krieger:Ali, what about you? I'm going to say Bayern, just to spice things up. I know, I know. I hope we're still going to be friends. Be your own people. I really agree with Italia in the sense that Manchester United, they're performing so well and they've been brilliant all tournament and I'm really happy for Mark Skinner. But on the other hand, I think because of that unpredictability that Bayern and that inconsistency that Bayern play with, they might be surprising Manchester United. And I think because of the tempo and the chaos that they can create, This is why I think the aggression as well. They play this aggressive football.

1:06:38Ali Krieger:And they have players who have that willingness to want to win. Not that Manchester United don't, but I think they have experience too that really amplify that. And so I think I'm going to go for Bayern. It really be your own people, man.

1:06:56Alexis Nunes:Especially Ali who knows Mark Skinner so well. She played for him. You still have his number, call him up and let him know that you're going against him. Oh dear. Well, what is your prediction? Now is your moment. I am going to go with Manchester United in this one. Oh, this is very surprising. I have to go with Bayern. I'm going to ride on the momentum. I'm going to ride on the momentum, I suppose. And like you said, they are playing with, you know, there's nothing to lose, everything to gain type of vibe. So let's hope. Let's hope. Honestly, it has been an absolutely brilliant show to look back at all of the playoffs.

1:07:33Alexis Nunes:We had some many brilliant stories. Favorite stories so far?

1:07:36Ali Krieger:I think Manchester United, honestly.

1:07:39Alexis Nunes:She's trying to make her way back in Manchester. No, no, no.

1:07:40Ali Krieger:I do believe that they've been the dark horse coming through and shining.

1:07:48Alexis Nunes:And Natalia, you, of course, have been commentating on a lot of these games. So watching them with an extra eagle's eye, what's been your favorite moment?

1:07:55Natalia Astrain:Well, I will say probably the situation that the Juve was so competitive. Even they don't go forward, but the matchup with the Boles were so interesting and beautiful. I will say Juve was for me a highlight moment of this quarterfinal. Yeah,

1:08:16Alexis Nunes:the UEFA Women's Champions League keeps throwing out some brilliant stories and we are in it for the long run. And thanks so much to Natalia and Ali. Thanks to you guys for hanging with us for this one. And best believe we'll be back right here to look back at all the action after the quarterfinals. Until then, it's five from us.

1:09:01Alexis Nunes:From 30 for 30 podcasts.

1:09:11Alexis Nunes:Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman for Miami. Gunned down. The key to this case, it's Brian.

1:09:19Natalia Astrain:Boy, he's ripping. An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing what's about. This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction being placed under arrest. We had a killer amongst us.

1:09:30Alexis Nunes:Murder at the U. Listen now.