The UEFA Champions League draw for the Round of 16 has opened the possibility of some mouth-watering intriguing match-ups.
Chelsea FC (ENG) v Juventus (ITA)
Villarreal CF (ESP) v Panathinaikos FC (GRE)
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FC Bayern München (GER)
Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) v FC Porto (POR)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
Real Madrid CF (ESP) v Liverpool FC (ENG)
Arsenal FC (ENG) v AS Roma (ITA)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
This is top-notch stuff. The kind of games that makes the World Cup pale in comparison.
Chelsea v Juventus:
Claudio Ranieri, now with Juventus, is reunited with Chelsea after he led them to a Champions League semi-final against Monaco back in 2004. Ranieri, who is one of the nicest managers in the game, was shown the door at Chelsea to make way for Jose Mourinho.
Lyon v Barca:
Droll....Two excellent European teams, packed with talent, go at it. As far as attacking football goes, this is the match to look forward to.
Real Madrid v Liverpool:
Rafael Benitez returns to his home city of Madrid. Plus if Fernando Torres is fit for Liverpool, then he will truly relish the match against Madrid as Torres used to be the captain and beating heart for Atletico Madrid, Real's fierce neighbours.
Arsenal v Roma:
If Totti is out for Roma, then this tie is evenly balanced but with Totti around, Arsenal will have their hands full. On paper, Roma have the better team and are strong in every position because they have more depth than the current injury ridden Arsenal squad. But Arsenal do have some game breakers in their midst, provided they keep injury free.
Inter v Man Utd:
Love it! Jose gets to pit battles with Alex Ferguson again. Finally, Man Utd get a real test in the Champions League.
The drama starts on Feb 24, 2009!
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