The Champions League survivors and their journey so far

From 32 to 16, and now from 16 to eight — the unforgiving Champions League only gets tougher.

The eight contenders will be drawn against each other on 15 March at 4.30 PM IST (we’ll do doing the live updates!) for the quarterfinals, and just like any other year, it’s going to throw up four mouth-watering match-ups.

But the journey hasn’t been easy. In Europe, it never is. Here’s charting the progress of the remaining teams, and what they offer their opponents.

REAL MADRID

Journey so far: Drawn in the Group of Death along with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax, Real Madrid have done pretty well so far. They beat Manchester United to reach the last eight — and even though Jose Mourinho thinks it’s not his most special achievement, it gives Real great momentum going forward.

Form in Europe: D-D-W-D-W

Star man: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward has scored seven goals so far and is in lethal form. He scored two goals over two legs against Man United and brilliantly dispatched Man City in the Group stages.

Surprise package: Raphael Varane, young and pimply at 19-years of age, has been an absolute star and mainstay at the team.

Best moments: Beating Man City 3-2 in the Group stage and Ronaldo scoring at Old Trafford before saying sorry.

BARCELONA

Journey so far: Barca won their group with ease, the only blip being a shock loss to Celtic. The Last 16 stage was more challenging though, with the Blaugrana having to overturn a two-goal deficit to survive against AC Milan.

Form in Europe: L-W-D-L-W

Star man: Wait, let us think… got it! Lionel Messi. The World Player of the Year has scored seven and created three.

Surprise package: Unstoppable engine Jordi Alba. He has covered more ground than any other Barca player this season and scored the fourth goal against Milan.

**Best moments:**Beating AC Milan 4-0 after losing 2-0 at San Siro.

MALAGA

**Journey so far:**They had to win a playoff against Greek club Panathinaikos to qualify for the group stages. A string of classy performances saw them qualify for the last 16 unbeaten — from a group consisting of Milan, Zenit and Anderlecht. Malaga beat Porto 2-1 on aggregate to advance.

Form in Europe: D-D-D-L-W

Star man: 20-year-old attacking midfielder Isco has been a shining light at Malaga. Excluding the goalkeeper, he’s played the most number of minutes for them (2179). He has scored ten goals and created four overall and has been booked just once in the Champions League.

Surprise package: Lucas Piazon proves once again how bad Chelsea’s loan decisions are. The young Brazilian has impressed at his loanee club, doing very well in the Champions League. Defensive midfielder Ignacio Camacho is also a formidable force.

Best moments: Isco’s goal against Porto, which helped them in their sensational comeback in the Last 16. That, and their victory against Milan in the Group Stage.

JUVENTUS

Journey so far: They had a tough group — consisting of champions Chelsea and tricky Shakhtar Donetsk. They topped it, before seeing off Celtic in the last 16 5-0 on aggregate.

Form in Europe: W-W-W-W-W

Star man: Arturo Vidal, with his unlimited stamina and ability to score and create. He has three goals and two assists in Europe this season (10 goals/10 assists all season) and pairs up very well with Andrea Pirlo.

Surprise package: Paul Pogba. The 19-year-old left Man United for Turin and has showed his old employers what they’re missing with a series of fine performances. Sebastian Giovinco (11 goals/seven assists this season) is in top form too.

Best moments: Thrashing champions Chelsea 3-0 at Turin.

BAYERN MUNICH

Journey so far: Has been very entertaining. They lost to BATE Borisov early in the group and saw off threats from Valencia to make it to the knockouts. They beat Arsenal 3-1 at London, but lost 0-2 at Munich — which meant they came through on away goals.

Form in Europe: W-D-W-W-L

Star man: Thomas Mueller has quietly killed off opponents this season — proven by the fact that his 17 goals and 13 assists in total have gone pretty unnoticed while discussing the team.

Surprise package: It’s a hard choice, and we’ll go for left-back David Alaba. Fast, strong and untiring, Alaba symbolises Bayern’s style of play. He also has four goals and two assists in all competitions.

Best moments: The 6-1 rout of Lille in the Group Stage and Toni Kroos’ top class goal against Arsenal at the Emirates.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Journey so far: Should fill them with pride. They topped a group consisting of Madrid, City and Ajax — unbeaten (Four wins, two draws). Insane stuff. In the last 16, they beat Shakhtar 5-2 on aggregate.

Form in Europe: D-W-W-D-W

Star man: Mario Gotze, the German Messi, has scored two goals and seven assists in the Champions League. In all competitions, he’s gathered 14 goals and 16 assists. He’s the man!

Surprise package: Marco Reus has been a great acquisition for them. 15 goals and 10 assists in all competitions are proof of that. Both Gotze and Reus operate in attacking midfield.

Best moments: Beating Madrid 2-1 in the group stage before killing off Shakhtar in the Last 16 (2-2 1st leg, 3-0 2nd leg).

GALATASARAY

Journey so far: Has been perilous. Three wins in their last three group games, including one against Man United guaranteed their progress. In the last 16, they drew 1-1 in the first leg before winning 3-2 away at Schalke.

Form in Europe: W-W-W-D-W

Star man: Burak Yilmaz, the top scorer in the Champions League with eight goals is their best player. The striker has struck 22 goals all season. Add Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder to the mix and Galatasaray have two proven game-changers.

Surprise package: Selcuk Inan came for free and changed the way Galatasaray attacked through centre midfield. He’s their set-piece taker and creative powerhouse. He has five goals and 12 assists this season.

Best moments: Hamit Altintop’s pile-driver against Schalke in the Last 16 and their narrow win against Man United in the group.

PARIS ST-GERMAIN

**Journey so far:**They won five of their six group matches — before coming on top 3-2 on aggregate against Valencia in the Last 16.

Form in Europe: W-W-W-W-D

Star man: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored a whipping 28 goals this season and provided 12. He is their target-man and most innovative player. Flair, class and arrogance make him that dangerous.

Surprise package: Blaise Matuidi and Javier Pastore have been exceptional for PSG in midfield. The former’s defensive capability and the latter’s vision make them a great duo to have in midfield.

Best moments: Ezequiel Lavezzi’s two winners — one against Porto and one against Valencia must give them ample confidence to turn things around.