UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL 1ST LEG PREVIEWS

And then there were 8: the Champions League grows in intensity as the final 8 clubs – some of the most giant in European club football – are paired against one another to separate the men from the boys. As in the last round, there will be no shortage of drama, and the stakes will be even higher as 4 gargantuan match-ups promise no end of thrills. There are no easy opponents, and really any tie can go either way.

CHELSEA FC (6-4) v MANCHESTER UNITED (13-8): The pick of the bunch, as this massive English rivals meet in a tie brimming with familiarity, significance and importance. The Red Devils have failed to beat the Blues in 5 tries over the last 2 seasons, registering 3 draws (2 goalless) and losing twice, including a 1-3 reverse in this season’s FA Cup. Chelsea will be missing the services of new signing, cup-tied Gareth Bale (D L, M LC) and suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips (AM R), but most significantly Arjen Robben (AM RL), injured on international duty and out for 2weeks with a twisted knee. Man Utd will also be unable to call on their winged wonder Cristiano Ronaldo (AM RL) as he’s suspended.

FC PORTO (7-4) v ARSENAL FC (5-4): These two traded wins in last season’s edition of the tournament, but there was a lot less at stake as they were just group stage matches. Porto shocked Arsenal 2-1 in Portugal, and gave them a scare in the return leg by twice halving a 2-goal lead before losing 4-3. Both sides have significantly improved since then, and this one could be a battle for the ages between ruthless attacking philosophies.

FC BARCELONA (5-4) v INTERNAZIONALE MILAN (7-4): Once again Barca find themselves in the pick of the round, against another Italian team locked in one of the tightest Serie A battles in recent memory. They haven’t met one another recently, and after a nail-biting finish over Juventus, the Blaugrana most be wondering who they’ve vexed to get another mammoth Italian draw. Inter has improved drastically this season, and while they lack the tactical guile and depth of Juve – who they’re matching blow-for-blow in the league – they’re probably an even more offensive side, a fact that should scare a defensively iffy Barca that was ripped to shreds at home by the Bianconeri. If you had to pick one to watch live, this would be it.

REAL BETIS (7-4) v REAL MADRID (5-4): Another domestic tie, as Betis try to force their way into the semis for the first time against seasoned pros – and perennial champs – Real Madrid. Oddly enough, Betis has had the upper hand in recent meetings, beating them twice in 3 attempts (drawing once) including a shocking but very well deserved 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeau in December. Los Blancos will no doubt be looking for vengeance, but after ousting European juggernauts Liverpool in the last round, Betis will have no shortage of confidence in adding another mammoth scalp to their collection.

~ by savageternal on April 4, 2009.