Champions League Knockout Stage Draw

By: Bob | December 15th, 2006

A pasty white hand reaching into a bowl full of tiny little balls can only mean one thing: a football tournament draw. In this case the hand belongs to one of those UEFA fat cats and the balls he is selecting contain the names of the 16 remaining teams in the Champions League. The competition to date has yielded a few surprises and only a few memorable matches, but that is likely to change now that the knockout round matchups are set. Below are the combatants that will be squaring off in late February along with some infallible predictions that will probably end up being way off the mark.

(Matches to be played – first round on February 20/21 and return leg on March 6/7)

FC Porto (POR) v Chelsea (ENG)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho gets to take on his former team and that will likely be the big story since he is never one to shy away from publicity. On the pitch, Porto is a dangerous team guided by general manager Antero Henrique’s words of wisdom: “The two matches will be a special and we will want to win them. The key to beating Chelsea is simple: play better than them.”

Infallible Prediction: Chelsea will play better and will win.

Celtic (SCO) v AC Milan (ITA)

Celtic makes the knockout stage for the first time ever. AC Milan has done this dance before and knows the routine. Milan has been next to useless in Serie A this season and is battling injuries and old age. Celtic practically clinched the Scottish Premier League title during the first week of the season and the only thing keeping their players awake is the Champions League.

Infallible Prediction: AC Milan will overcome themselves and come out on top.

PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Arsenal (ENG)

All things considered, I would imagine that Arsenal fans are fairly happy with this draw. PSV is seemingly always hanging around the major competitions but unlike in past years they don’t have the talent to make a deep run. Arsenal has struggled some in the English Premiership and will be very focused on the Champions League come February.

Infallible Prediction: Arsenal

Lille (FRA) v Manchester United (ENG)

Who did Manchester United bribe to get this draw?

Infallible Prediction: Manchester United

AS Roma (ITA) v Lyon (FRA)

This one isn’t as sexy as some of the other pairings but it could turn out to be quite entertaining. Lyon has been on top form all season long and while it cruises through Ligue 1 it should be able to rest up for the Champions League. Roma is making its round of 16 Champions League debut. It is firmly planted near the top of the Serie A table and has the talent to give Lyon trouble.

Infallible Predicion: Lyon will win, but it will be tight throughout

Barcelona (ESP) v Liverpool (ENG)

One of the marquee pairings of the round featuring two storied clubs. Barcelona didn’t play all that well during the group stages but rose to the occasion when needed. Liverpool hasn’t played well in England, but rose to the occasion in the Champions League.

Infallible Prediction: Barcelona has too much talent for Liverpool to handle

Real Madrid (ESP) v Bayern Munich (GER)

Another marquee pairing with enough aging superstars to fill a retirement community. Real Madrid might have the edge in talent but Bayern Munich has Oliver Kahn in goal and he is likely to bite the head off of Ronaldo in an act of revenge for the 2002 World Cup.

Infallible Prediction: I’m picking Bayern Munich for no logical reason whatsoever.

Inter Milan (ITA) v Valencia (ESP)

This should be another excellent battle between the Serie A leaders and last year’s UEFA Cup champions. Inter has been on fire of late but these two teams won’t meet for a couple more months so predicting form is kind of tough.

Infallible Prediction: Call it a hunch, but Valencia will win.

While I know my predictions are infallible and can’t possibly be wrong, I do welcome your predictions and thoughts on the knockout round of the Champions League.