2023 Champions League Quarterfinals (1st leg)

Benfica 0-2 Inter Milan

Benfica felt like the stronger team in the 1st half, though both teams seemed roughly equally dangerous around the goal. But Inter was able to find the goal soon after halftime and really changed the shape of Benfica's attack. Inter got a late PK to pile on that I thought was flaky: yeah, it hit the defender's hand but I didn't think it was that meaningful, especially considering that the ref chose to neglect a physical challenge in the 1st half that would've given Benfica penalty. I don't find Inter to be wildly better than Benfica, but hard to go against them heading back home with a 2 goal advantage. 

Manchester C 3-0 Bayern Munich

Man City was just better all over the field. Bayern is in a weird place: they're still solid but they're not as dominant as they've been for the last decade or so, they panic-fired their new coach (which I thought was not necessary) and they no longer look untouchable in the Bundesliga. I still say they're one of the finer teams in Europe but trying to come back 3 goals down against Man City is gonna be tough (whereas I would've given them a puncher's chance in the Lewandowski days). If Man City gets a goal, I don't see how Bayern can even get lucky in the return match.

Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea

Real Madrid was more comfortable in possession, more dangerous around the goal, and once Chelsea went down a man, their counter attack chances faded badly. Chelsea didn't get rolled but it never felt like they were in this game. Chelsea needs their best game of the year to move on--not impossible but Real looks too good right now. 

AC Milan 1-0 Napoli

Napoli's possession was better but Milan's counter attack (particularly in the 1st half) produced a slew of good scoring chances. Napoli was probably the better team and I wouldn't be surprised to see them have a stronger result back at home, but Milan was more dangerous around the goal (they may regret not adding a second goal).  This one is still up in the air, I can totally see Napoli rocking Milan in the 2nd leg.