We are right in the middle of the second most important futbol tournament in the world (World Cup is first) and I want to make a preview of the quarter finals which start this week.
Real Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The Spurs actually won their group over Inter Milan, FC Twente and SV Werder Bremen. Tottenham then went on to beat Inter Milan in the round of 16. Real Madrid defeated Lyon in the round of 16. I expect Peter Crouch to continue his brilliant tournament, but Real Madrid will be too much. Their fast pace and Karim Benzema will prove to be a task too tall for the Spurs. Prediction: Real Madrid-5, Tottenham 2 on the aggregate.
Internazionale vs. Schalke
Schalke has also been a very pleasant surprise in this tournament. The German club won their group over Ly
Sneijder and Inter will be celebrating as they advance to the semifinals.
on, and then defeated Valencia in the round of 16. Inter placed second in their group and defeated FC Bayern Munchen in the next round. I fully expect the defending champions, Inter, to dominate these match ups, and end Schalke’s run in this tournament. Wesley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o will rip through the Schalke defense and the Black and Blue will advance. Prediction: Inter-4, Schalke,1.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United
This is the match up that everybody is waiting to see. These two English powers, will be meeting again in the Champions League for the fist time since their epic final match up in Moscow three years ago. Although it is not the final again, these two games will prove to be the two of the best in the tournament. These two teams hate each other and I fully expect there to be some very harsh words and dirty tackles and tactics. This is by far the toughest match up to predict, but I think Wayne Rooney and the Red Devils will advance to the semi finals. Nani is playing his best futbol ever for Man U right now, and with experienced veterans like Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand, it is tough for me to predict. Chelsea will bring a great fight. With players like Ashley Cole, Michael Essien, and Didier Drogba, they have one of the most talented teams in the world, but they aren’t playing with heart lately, and that will be their downfall. The following video is very long, but worth the watch as it captures the entire drama of the 2008 Champions League shootout. Prediction: Manchester United- 5, Chelsea-4.
FC Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar is another feel good story of the tournament. The Dutch club has won their group, which included Arsenal and they defeated AS Roma in the round of 16. However, they are now playing the world’s best team and it will take a miracle for them to win. I think Barca will show its might and clobber Shakhtar to advance to the semi finals. Barca has the world’s best player in Lionel Messi, quality defenders like Dani Alves and Carles Puyol, and another great striker in David Villa. Shakhtar’s Eduardo will have to have his best two games to keep this match up close. I think this one will get ugly fast. Prediction: Barcelona- 7, Shakhtar-2.
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