CHAPTER 287: Post UCL Quarter-Finals Draw

Barcelona – Bayern Munich
Ahh…… the tie that I wanted for Barcelona, and it was the only tie that I predicted correctly (haha).
Anyway, even though Barça has not beaten the German side in the previous ties between the two clubs, I feel that it’s time that Barça breaks this tradition. Besides, Barcelona has been winning over German clubs in the Champions League this past few years (Werder Bremen, Stuttgart, Schalke) so I believe that the good gust of win over German opposition could continue for Barcelona.

Liverpool – Chelsea
I cannot believe that this tie is happening yet again.
How many more matches are these two going to play against each other? I think fate is waiting for both Pool and Chelsea to play against each other in the different stages of the competitions. So far they’ve met in the group stages, semi-finals and now they’re going to play in the quarter-finals. Maybe they’ll meet each other again next season in the second round of the CL.
I think Hiddink can conjure up a tough battle for Benitez.

Villareal – Arsenal
Arsene Wenger vs Manuel Pellegrini, Round 2.
I think Arsenal (with Wenger) can overcome Villareal yet again, and they do have the second home leg advantage.
Perhaps the less ‘glamorous’ tie of the quarterfinals, but maybe it has the potential to be among the best attacking matchups of out of the four games.

Manchester United – Porto
It seemed as if the path to the final had been laid out for United.
They definitely looked like having the easiest path to Rome among the teams, and many are already seeing them in Italy come end of May.
Here’s hoping for Porto to bring out some surprises.

And as for Barça…..
Now that the draws have been made, we can now see the path that each team would be taking if they want to end up in Rome on the 27th May 2009.
No doubt Barça has a very difficult path indeed. Bayern now, and then if they succeed there’s then the challenge of either Liverpool or Chelsea (not easy indeed).
The big issue from this draw (especially the difficulty and the severity of the challenge) can be pointed out by these factors:
• In both quarter-final and the probable semifinal games Barça will be playing at home first (no 2nd leg advantage),
• These crucial CL games (especially the semi finals, should Barça make it that far) is going to be sandwiched between a crucial period in the league, especially so that the second edition of the Tourmalet is coming up late April-early May!!

It’s going to be one hell of a ride of a season, and all hope for a victorious and glorious Barça!
¡Vamos!