Champions League predictions: Lionel Messi to make the final, but will Cristiano Ronaldo join him?

With the semi-final draw have already taken place, we know the winners of Liverpool vs Porto will face Manchester United or Barcelona in the last four, with Tottenham or Manchester City to come up against Ajax or Juventus.

The final is set to take place at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on June 1, but which teams will fight for glory in the Spanish capital.

Sorry. We’re playing it straight as It is difficult to see an upset among these ties. Liverpool ran out 5-0 aggregate winners over Porto in the last 16 last season, and though Jurgen Klopp’s side will not expect an easy ride, they should have enough quality to progress.

The same goes for Manchester City, Barcelona and Juventus, who all head into their ties as heavy favourites. The question therefore is, which match-up has the biggest chance of an upset? Spurs, Ajax and Manchester United will not be underestimated, but it is perhaps Ajax who stand the best chance of reaching the last four.

Their heroics in the last 16 against holders Real Madrid caused a minor tremor across Europe, and they will head into Tuesday’s first leg at home without fear. If Cristiano Ronaldo is not fit in time for that match, then Ajax will be confident of making home advantage count – but it’s a tall order.

Of the many variables heading into this prospective semi-final line-up, the biggest factor will be whether the Premier League title race is taking its toll, or if it will be an advantage against sides with the league all-but sewn up.

There will be talk of a Messi vs Ronaldo final, or even an all-English showdown three weeks after the Premier League is done and dusted, but we are backing Barcelona to get the better of Liverpool and City to oust Juventus.

Barca-Liverpool has the makings of a high-scoring classic, with both teams scoring in both legs, while City-Juve could be a slightly more cagey affair, with City’s all-round quality to decide it.

Forget Messi vs Ronaldo, it’s all about Pep Guardiola against the club where it all started. Who better than the former Barcelona boss to master his old team and deliver a first Champions League trophy to his current club?

There could be a Messi-sized obstacle standing in City’s way, but with an unprecedented quadruple on the line, Guardiola’s side will be gunning to make history.

Barca could well be chasing another treble come June 1 too, but we are backing City to triumph in Madrid and make history.

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