Champions League: The Quarter-Finals Draw

By: Bob | March 9th, 2007

It is always a sign that some sort of football tournament draw is taking place when you start seeing photos of middle aged men in suits humping a giant newfangled ball in front of a famous landmark. The setting this time was Athens, the ball is the one that will be used in the Champions League final and the man doing the humping is Greece coach Otto Rehhagel. The pairs for the final eight are set. Here’s how it looks.

AC Milan v Bayern Munich
If this isn’t a tasty match-up then I don’t know what is. Both of these traditional powers have been less than dominant in their domestic leagues this season. A couple of weeks ago it looked like Bayern would be bounced for the Champions League and finish out of the top 3 in the Bundesliga. Their fortune has turned since then and they are right back in the domestic race and riding high after bouncing Real Madrid. AC Milan is also playing some of their best football of the year, but will have to play on the road in the second leg.

Prediction: AC Milan will find a way to expose Bayern’s suspect defense and will advance.

More on the Italy Offside

PSV Eindhoven v Liverpool
PSV is probably the longest shot remaining in the field, but they shouldn’t be. The Dutch club is well coached and solid all around. They have already knocked out another English team in Arsenal. Liverpool has seemingly played some of its best football of the year in Europe. The Champions League is their season and they will have the advantage of playing at home in the second leg.

Prediction: Liverpool will go through but I expect this to be a tight contest from start to finish.

More thoughts on the Liverpool Offside

AS Roma v Man United
Roma have never advanced this far in the Champions League. Manchester United have been there, done that. Roma failed to impress during their round of 16 tie against Lyon, but their defense was steady and some timely goals in the second leg were the difference. Manchester United has been unbeatable at home in the Champions League and will have the advantage of playing the second leg at Old Trafford. By April the Red Devils will either have found a healthy forward or they’ll have Sir Alex playing up front.

Prediction: Manchester United will advance

More on the Manchester United Offside

Chelsea v Valencia
I think this could turn out to be the best match-up of the round. Both teams play a similar style of football. Chelsea have the bigger names, but Valencia are tough in Europe and will host the second leg. The big question is how many players will be suspended for the Spanish club after their brawl with Inter Milan.

Prediction: Call it a gut instinct but I think Valencia will squeak through.

I’m sure the Chelsea Offside will have a different opinion on the matter.

So now we must wait until April 3rd for the fun to start up once again. Who do you see advancing to the final four?