Manchester City and Liverpool must quickly turn their focus from Champions League glory to the battle for the Premier League title, with no room for error in tricky away trips on Saturday.
The Premier League's top two remain on course to end their season with another showdown in the Champions League final after seeing off Spanish opposition in contrasting fashion in midweek.
City should have put Real Madrid out of sight in a thrilling 4-3 win over the 13-time European champion, while Goliath got the better of David as Liverpool beat Villarreal 2-0.
Champions League considerations could play a major role in the team selection of both title contenders.
Jurgen Klopp gave Liverpool fans even more cause for celebration by extending his contract at Anfield for a further two years to 2026 on Thursday.
However, the German is far from happy at the scheduling of a lunchtime kick-off just three days after a Champions League semifinal.
"It's brutal but it's fine. It's the best situation you can have," said Klopp.
"Just go for the next one and try to play the best football you can."
City boss Pep Guardiola has a tough balancing act in selecting his side for what is expected to be an energy-sapping visit to Elland Road before their blockbuster return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Liverpool's remaining fixtures
Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Liverpool vs Tottenham
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Southampton
Liverpool vs Wolves
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Manchester City's remaining fixtures
Manchester City 4-0 Leeds United
Manchester City vs Newcastle
Manchester City vs Wolves
Manchester City vs West Ham
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Comments
SHARE