Its that time of year, the champions league is getting to the big games and the silverware is only a few games away for each team. On the UEFA side, of course I will be pulling for Milan. On the CONCACAF side, its all RSL, of course. With that said, here is how I see things going in the round of 16 in UEFA and the quarters for CONCACAF:
UEFA:
AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspurs
One of the best matchups in the round right here. I obviously have a biased opinion towards Milan, but honestly think they have the edge in this one. Spurs have lost a lot of their early season momentum. Milan, on the other hand, seems to be clicking very well at the moment (see the 4-0 thrashing they gave to Parma over the weekend). With players like Ibra, Robinho, Pato, Cassano, etc. the offensive side of things should be great for Milan. Spurs, especially without Bale for the first leg, just wont be able to defend that well for that long.
- 1st leg @ Milan: AC Milan 3 - Tottenham 1
- 2nd leg @ Spurs: AC Milan 1 - Tottenham 1
- AC Milan advances -
Valencia v Schalke
Though this match up doesn't feature two big clubs, it does feature a great match up. Schalke is a top team, but Valencia is incredibly difficult to play against, especially in Spain. The first leg will really be vital for t his one. I think the Spanish team will pull it out with a big opening win and then hang on for dear life in the second leg.
- 1st leg @ Valencia: Valencia 3 - Schalke 0
- 2nd leg @ Schalke: Valencia 0 - Schalke 2
- Valencia advances -
Roma v Shaktar Donetsk
Shakhtar were the surprise group winners, can they continue this form against the side from Rome? I believe they can. Roma is in a bit of a slump this year overall. They have a few bright spots here and there, but are not the same Roma team that can play with anyone. I think Shaktar comes into Rome and gets a draw then takes it home to win it.
- 1st leg @ Roma: Roma 1 - Shakhtar 1
- 2nd leg @ Shakhtar: Roma 1 - Shakthar 2
- Shakhtar Donetsk advances -
Arsenal v Barcelona
The draw being billed the best of the round. I think Barca is the best team in the world when they are on, no doubt. However, if there was one team that could possibly keep up with them on flow its Arsenal. I have little faith in the team from London, however, and think Barca will prove just too much.
- 1st leg @ Arsenal: Arsenal 1 - Barca 1
- 2nd leg @ Barca: Arsenal 0 - Barca 2
- Barcelona advances -
Kobenhavn v Chelsea
It always amazes me that Chelsea seems to get a rather weak draw in the first knockout round. This year, again, is no exception. Chelsea should murder Kobenhavn (I like this spelling better). However, Chelsea has proven to struggle in games where the goal is begging for them to score. Closer than expected, but still goes to the Chelskea
- 1st leg @ Kobenhavn: Kobenhavn 0 - Chelsea 0
- 2nd leg @ Chelsea: Kobenhavn 1 - Chelsea 2
- Chelsea advances -
Lyon v Real Madrid
Madrid had the chance to play at home last year in the final, but Lyon got in their way. Its only fitting that the chosen one has to beat them right off the bat to prove he is different. I think Madrid has their hands full with this one, but that they will edge out Lyon in a thriller. Lots of goals is what I predict.
- 1st leg @ Lyon: Lyon 2 - Madrid 2
- 2nd leg @ Madrid: Lyon 2 - Madrid 3
- Real Madrid advances -
Marseille v Manchester United
United are back in form after a very slight dip. The win against City over the weekend was proof that this team could very easily dominate anyone no matter the amount of money and talent they have. Marseille will be lucky to hang with United, I think.
- 1st leg @ Marseille: Marseille 0 - United 2
- 2nd leg @ Manchester: Marseille 0 - United 2
- Manchester United advances -
Internazionale v Bayern Munich
A lot of people are sleeping on this gigantic match up. With the focus on Arsenal/Barca, its understandable. However, this rematch of the final should be a great one. I loathe both teams, and wish they both could lose, but to say they don't both play some good football would be a complete lie. Inter seems to be turning things around since they got their new coach. Bayern is struggling in league play, so what a better place than the champions league than to make up for it. I see this one going to penalties in Munich, honestly.
- 1st leg @ Inter: Inter 1 - Bayern 0
- 2nd leg @ Munich: Inter 0 - Bayern 1.
- Bayern advances on penalties -
That means I have these 8 making it to the quarters:
AC Milan
Valencia
Shaktar Donetsk
Barcelona
Chelsea
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Bayern Munich
- The spanish with the most teams (3)
CONCACAF
On the CONCACAF ends of things, the Champions league is wide open. I think the Mexican side of the bracket is really going to be fun to watch.
Columbus Crew v Real Salt Lake
With Columbus seemingly "rebuilding" many people are just handing this one to RSL. However, I am not buying into this cake walk. I honestly think RSL has their hands full, and if preseason is any indicator (which really its not, but it needs to be pointed out) their defense is struggling. On the other end, Columbus has had some rather decent preseason games and all this talk about "rebuilding" is a bunch of crap. I see this one being a whole lot closer than anyone expects
- 1st leg @ Columbus: Crew 1 - RSL 1
- 2nd leg @ Salt Lake: Crew 1 - RSL 2
- Real Salt Lake advances -
Cruz Azul v Santos Laguna
This matchup is worthy of a final. Both teams are tremendous and both play the game til the final whistle (RSL knows to well). I think Cruz Azul, even despite finishing 2nd in their group, is the team to beat on this side of the bracket. They have far too much talent, especially up top, to be taken lightly. The first leg in Mexico City is going to be really telling of this series.
- 1st leg @ Azul: CA 3 - Santos 1
- 2nd leg @ Santos: CA 1 - Santos 2
- Cruz Azul advances -
Toluca v Monterrey
Monterrey simply destroyed their group they played in and honestly I dont think Toluca has what it takes to hang with them in this tournament. Monterrey, I would wager, will even win the first leg @ Toluca just to prove their dominance.
- 1st leg @ Toluca: Toluca 0 - Monterrey 2
- 2nd leg @ Monterrey: Toluca 1 - Monterrey 3
Saprissa v Olimpia
This is honestly the matchup of the round. Two teams that really have a lot going for them on home soil and that simply dont like each other. I think this one is going to have goals left and right. I think we see extra time needed to figure it out.
- 1st leg @ Saprissa: Saprissa 3 - Olimpia 2
- 2nd leg @ Olimpia: Saprissa 3 - Olipia 4
- Saprissa advances on a goal in OT in the 2nd leg -
My predictions would thus have, in the semis:
RSL v Saprissa
Cruz Azul v Monterrey
Should be a great couple of weeks of soccer ahead.
Cheers,
15 to 32
(FORZA MILAN & FORZA RSL
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