Kieran Shannon: Restructured Champions League gives Messi and Barcelona a chance

With RB Leipzig, Atalanta, and Lyon still all in the mix, you’ve to go back to 2004 for a more unlikely quarter-final line-up.

If Lionel Messi can inspire Barcelona past Bayern Munich, it could be their season. AP Photo/Joan Monfort

Tonight, for the first time in precisely half a century, a European Cup/Champions League quarter-final cannot be decided on the away goals rule.

Because there is no away. Or at least there is no home. There is no second leg. It’s all on the night.