The draw for round of last 16 in the Champions League was announced this morning, and there are some massive matches in store featuring Premier League teams. Here’s the draw in full:
- Chelsea v Juventus
- Villarreal v Panathinaikos
- Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
- Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
- Lyon v Barcelona
- Real Madrid v Liverpool
- Arsenal v Roma
- Inter Milan v Manchester United
There are some mouthwatering matches in store. Liverpool against Real Madrid will be amazing with two of the biggest teams in Europe battling each other. Inter Milan versus Manchester United will be a very tricky tie for both clubs and will provide a chance for Fergie to match his wits against The Special One, Jose Mourinho, once again. Arsenal should have no problem against Roma, the way the Italian club has been playing in the Champions League lately. And Chelsea faces Juventus in another tricky tie.
The matches will be played on February 24/25 and March 10/11.
It makes you wonder what the point is of having a group stage in the Champions League. In many ways, especially this year, the group stage has been extremely boring. Now the true test and excitement begins in the Champions League.
I have to disagree that the group stage was boring. There were many interesting storylines and tightly-contested matches. Besides the group stage is a cash-cow which some of the smaller clubs like Cluj get a taste of from time to time. It's a good thing for them and I'd hate to see the Champions League become a completely closed shop (though it's getting closer all the time as most of the 16 teams in this round are familiar faces and have been here many times).
Also, I think the Roma – Arsenal matchup is going to be closer than you're predicting. Arsenal have not exactly been lighting it up this year.
For me the purpose of the group stage is for teams like Panathinaikos to battle through and end up in the knockout stages. Maybe not an earth-shattering upset, but hardly expected. I enjoy the Tuesday/Wednesday fixtures…I do agree that after qualification is determined the matches are a little boring, but overall I'm a big fan of the group stages.
Have to agree with Lonnie on this one Gaffer Arsenal are not that stunning whereas Roma have turned things around over the last month and half.
Roma come into their meeting with Arsenal as group winners while the Gunners came up short against FC Porto.
After hearing Derek Ray on WSD and reading David Pleat's article, Four of the Best – http://tinyurl.com/3gmlzf I'm of the opinion there is over confidence by those following the English clubs.
At least Pleat ponders the counter-strike and fluent passing game of Roma which should limit Arsenal offensively.