Leicester City v Atlético Madrid

This is a contest between the two biggest overachievers in Europe’s major leagues – and Atlético Madrid’s shock 2013-14 La Liga victory acted as something of an inspiration for Claudio Ranieri, himself a former Atlético manager.

Diego Simeone triumphed by completely disregarding possession play, previously considered fundamental to success in La Liga, and instead using a 4-4-2 system that depended upon deep defending, the strikers acting as extra midfielders to keep the side compact, and more than anything else, lightning-quick counterattacking. Ranieri’s Leicester were somewhat similar, and while the Italian has now departed, his former assistant Craig Shakespeare is essentially continuing with that template.

Champions League quarter-finals: Leicester City to face Atlético Madrid Read more

This will be a contest between two sides looking to play in a similar manner, and in that sense Leicester might find this two-legged tie very difficult. Against a possession-based side they could have played purely on the counterattack and hit teams with the speed of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, but Atlético will defend deep and try to negate that threat.

It feels as if Atlético are simply a better version of Leicester, and the Foxes’ Champions League dream will surely come to an end against a team who pointed the way for their astonishing success.

Verdict Atlético to edge a low-scoring tie

Both sides will sit deep in order to guard against the speed of the opposition’s main goalscoring threat. Photograph: The Guardian

Borussia Dortmund v Monaco

Another meeting between similar sides: both clubs boast tremendous young attacking talent, and are capable of playing slick passing interchanges. Scouts from Europe’s biggest clubs will have a field day here – but the game itself could be truly fascinating.

Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco were the tournament’s most underrated side coming into the knockout stage, but their victory over Manchester City, albeit on away goals, underlined their tremendous potential. The dynamism of Fabinho, a converted right-back excelling in central midfield, is particularly impressive while the left-back Benjamin Mendy has emerged as one of the best in Europe. Their ability to play high-energy football in a 4-4-2 system is also noteworthy.

Thomas Tuchel’s Dortmund, meanwhile, are among the most tactically flexible sides in Europe. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spearheads the side, and has become a ruthless goalpoacher in addition to boasting searing pace in behind the opposition. The supporting cast, selected from the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Reus, Christian Pulisic, André Schürrle and Gonzalo Castro are all good all-round attackers, while Julian Weigl might be Europe’s next best holding midfielder.

Expect two high-tempo and tactically complex games between two very bright managers. Monaco may just spring a surprise.

Verdict Monaco to spring a surprise

Dortmund must be wary of Benjamin Mendy’s overlapping. Julian Weigl and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should be their key men. Photograph: The Guardian

Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

This is master versus student: Carlo Ancelotti against Zinedine Zidane. The last time these sides met, three years ago, Bayern manager Ancelotti was in charge of Real, with Zidane his assistant, and they guided Real to a storming 5-0 aggregate victory. Now, Ancelotti is charged with getting the better of his former charges – where Zidane has essentially continued with Ancelotti’s legacy.

Bayern are a simpler side than under Pep Guardiola – there are fewer tactical changes, and Ancelotti essentially concentrates upon fielding his best 11 players in their usual positions rather than changing things every week. Robert Lewandowski is enjoying another superb campaign, and he once hit four goals against Real for Dortmund in one of the all-time great Champions League displays four years ago. Bayern still offer great control in central midfield positions, with Thiago Alcântara and Arturo Vidal excelling alongside the former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, in his final season as a professional.

But Real are also excellent in that zone, with the former Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos anchoring their midfield excellently and Luka Modric still a hugely consistent performer too. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale remain tremendous counterattacking threats, but this game might be more about the possession battle.

Verdict Bayern to progress

This should be a closely-fought midfield battle, with

Xabi Alonso and Toni Kroos up against former sides. Photograph: The Guardian

Barcelona v Juventus

This is a repeat of the 2015 Champions League final, when Barcelona triumphed 3-1 following a tight and tense game. A two-legged tie might suit Juventus, however, as Max Allegri has proved an astute tactician over the past couple of seasons.

Juve are capable of playing either a three-man defence or a back four, and can also count upon the former Barça right-back Dani Alves, who has been used sparingly this season but may have a role to play here. On the other flank, Alex Sandro might exploit Barça’s lack of a true Alves replacement.

Juve’s front two are among the most dangerous in Europe, with Gonzalo Higuaín continuing to bang in the goals, and Paulo Dybala a dynamic second striker capable of providing moments of outstanding quality.

Barcelona still offer sensational attacking quality of their own, however, and the trio of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez remains the continent’s best forward line. But Allegri will have a plan for stopping them, and Juve’s back three are excellent in individual battles, creating a typical contest between Barça’s South American flair up front, and Juve’s rugged Italian defending. Whether Barcelona are as effective at nullifying Juve’s attacking weapons remain to be seen.

Verdict Barça’s front three too strong for Juve