Monday, March 21, 2005

Champions league quarterfinals draw

We are down to the quarterfinals in the Champions League 2004-2005 season. After some very exciting last-16, where we saw the exit of great teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, FC Porto and Monaco, we are now ready to the following games on April 5 and 6:

Liverpool-Juventus: This match is between two of the greatest European teams through history. Sadly, the most remembered encounter between them was that in Heysel in 1985, when many died after hooligans rioted. While this will clearly be remembered, it will hopefully be a match with great football.

Inter Milan-AC Milan: The two neighboring teams have always been among the best in Europe, and their encounters arouse all of the football fanaticism of this beautiful Italian city. However, neither of them are remembered for their great play, and maybe we can expect two 0-0 games, solved on penalty kicks...

Olympique Lyon-PSV Eindhoven: The two dark-horses of this season's Champions League. Lyon has been amazing, with players like Juninho, Michael Essien and Sylvain Wiltord. PSV Eindhoven is led by perhaps the best coach in the world right now, Guus Hiddink, and is cruising in the Dutch league. Both teams can make it all the way, but I particularly expect Lyon to be the best of them.

Chelsea-Bayern Munich: The winner of this game will have taken a giant leap for the title. I have expected both teams to make it far, and now one has to leave. Chelsea made a wonderful game against Barcelona, and only thing against them is Mr. Mourinho's rabbling. Bayern is showing their former strength, and Chelsea will have to play their best to defeat Kahn & Co.

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