The Champions League draw – taking a look at the big matches
The draw in Monaco on Thursday promised some intriguing match-ups as the biggest clubs in Europe compete for the continent’s top prize.
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
In a repeat of last year’s final, the reigning champions Inter take on the German giants in what is sure to be an intense tie. 4 time winners Bayern will be out for revenge. Inter and Bayern are both struggling in their domestic leagues. Inter
are 7th in the Serie A while Bayern are in 6th place in the Bundesliga. Both sides will see the Champions League trophy as a way to redeem themselves this season.
Lyon vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s defeat to Lyon in the round of 16 last year will be on Jose Mourinho’s mind as he prepares his team for the tie. Real lost 2-1 on aggregate during the previous tournament. It’s going to be an emotional encounter for Karim Benzema,
as he faces his former colleagues in Lyon. Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas concedes that it will not be easy for the French club to repeat last year’s heroics. He said, ‘It's hard to pick a favourite. Madrid are better than last year and it makes for an interesting
match. It will be intense and hard for them.’
AC Milan vs Tottenham
Round of 16 debutants Tottenham face 7 time champions league winners AC Milan in what promises to be an action packed affair. Though Tottenham are new to the competition, the English club show no signs of fear when facing the biggest names in
European football. This will be the first time the two teams meet. Harry Redknapp will try to use his side’s athleticism and pace to get the better of the ageing AC Milan side.
FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea
Many believe that Chelsea will breeze past the Danish champions. However, Copenhagen should not be underestimated. They held Barcelona to a draw this season in the champions league and have qualified from a group which included
Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos. When asked what he thought of the draw, Copenhagen coach Sol Solbakken said,
‘Football is football and anything can happen, no-one thought we could come this far. It's very difficult for us but we are looking forward to playing a great team with a great history and it's good to have the first game at home.’
Marseille vs Manchester United
Manchester United are clear favourites to win this tie, having lost only 1 game in all competitions this season. Marseille should not be underestimated though. The Stade Vélodrome is a very daunting venue to travel to. Sir Alex
might still remember Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat in the only previous meeting of the two sides back in 1999.
Arsenal vs Barcelona
The attacking style of both Arsenal and Barcelona promises an exhilarating encounter, though Arsenal fans would have preferred to face any team other than the Spanish champions. Barcelona eliminated Arsenal in the quarter finals last year in
spectacular fashion, beating the Gunners 6-3 on aggregate. It seems that Arsenal have paid the price for finishing second in their group. Arsene Wenger, however, insists that his side have got a good chance. He said,
‘We want to qualify and we want to knock them out. So is it difficult? Yes. Is it possible? Yes. Barcelona are certainly the favourites and a famous team but, on their side, they did not want us either because they know they will get a game.’
The first leg begins on the 15th of February.
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