We usually consider the semi-final and final matches to be more competitive but this season the quarter-final might be the most competitive as the quarter-final contenders are Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Why do you assume or believe the quarter-finals will be more competitive than the semi-finals? Don't you know that the Champions League gets more important as it goes? So if Man City and Madrid don't play each other in the semis then it won't be competitive? I don't think so.
Anybody who qualifies between Man City and Madrid would play anybody who qualifies between Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Anyhow this turns out it would be a very competitive semis for either of them. Imagine thinking a tie between Bayern and Madrid won't be interesting. Or saying Arsenal Man City won't be competitive?
First, we'll enjoy the quarter-final, and then later we will enjoy the semi-final and the finals.
I remember when people were saying the Champions League fell off during the group stage and round of 16 of the tournament. Very funny.