Champions League Knockout Draw

By: Martha | December 21st, 2007

Champions League Draw

The Champions League draw happened bright and early this morning (if you’re American, anyway), and the matchups are now set for the knockout stage.

Remember, the first place teams went in one pot and the second in the other, but you can’t be drawn against a team from your own league so, for example, Manchester United couldn’t draw Arsenal, even though one finish first in their group and the other second. Additionally, you couldn’t draw the team from your own group for the knockout round, so United also couldn’t find themselves up against Roma again.

The matchups, then, are as follows, with the first leg (at the home of the team listed first) to be played February 19 and 20:

Celtic-Barcelona
Lyon-United
Schalke-Porto
Liverpool-Inter
Roma-Real
Arsenal-Milan
Olympiakos-Chelsea
Fenerbache-Sevilla

Which pairing has you drooling? Me, I can’t wait for Roma-Real — if Roma are feeling it, that match-up has the potential to feature some smart, gorgeous football. And, if Milan are allowed the space they need to actually, you know, play, their matchup with Arsenal could be just exploding with class. And, even if it’s not, it’ll be fun to see Rino Gattuso come up against Arsenal’s tiny, wildly skilled midfield. I predict at least four shouting matches with Cesc Fabregas.

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Category: Champions League, Europe, World Football

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Matt

Barca who, namesake? ;)

The Bhoys can steal a usual late winner at CP and then put 14 men in the back and make Leo Messi angry as a pancreas at the Nou Camp.
Ryan J

Actually, I don't think Arsenal fared so bad. Milan's form at the moment is not necessarily the best. We're talking about a team who's struggling in their domestic league, I know they usually do well on the European stage but Arsenal can take them. Liverpool on the other hand is in for a big struggle. Inter is unstoppable at the moment and in my opinion have the best chance of winning UCL. I think another game that's gonna provide much thrill is Roma vs Real. That's an excellent matchup. If United fires at all cylinders like they're doing the the BPL they have a great chance of going through, but like someone said the defence is worrisome. Celtic or Barca? I'll have to give it to Barca, sorry Scotland. I see Shalke going through, Sevilla, and of course Chelsea.
matt

wow celtic got screwed. good luck with that bhoys.

lyon v. united scares me as a united fan. benzema and govou will run circles then vidic and ferdinand will start dumping them face first then of course juninho hits one of the 3-4 free kicks he'll get and problems problems problems. that and toulalan will probably try to knock scholes or anderson into next week and etc etc etc.
Sprinter

And not trying to knock either team, but the teams that go through will be looking to draw whoever wins between Porto and Schalke for the next round. Easily the most mild tie, IMO.
Sprinter

On the other hand, Chelsea could be the only British team left at the end of this round :)
Tab

Wow, tough draw for my favorite team, Arsenal... but if they can pull it off, along with Liverpool and Real Madrid, that would mean there were no Italian teams left :) hehe