In my post back in February before the opening kick of the knockout phases, I predicted the following 8 teams would advance: AC Milan, Valencia, Shaktar Donetsk, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich. Of the 8, I got 5 right. Which really isn't saying much as those 5 were fairly easy to pick. My AC Milan, Valencia, and Bayern Munich picks all proved to be wrong... I think I was picking more with my heart than my brain in each of those. 
The quarters have been set and so has the bracket for how this thing will play out. UEFA rigged it in a way that says "hey, look, we don't rig these things". With the final being in Wembley, you would think they would slide the 2 big English teams on opposite sides of the bracket so as to have the potential of an epic all English final in front of the English fans. Instead, the "random draw" put the two big remaining English teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, against each other in the quarters. This is the obvious big match-up, with the rest having an obvious favorite. The only other draw that really appeals to me is the Madrid vs Spurs match-up. I think that one is still very one-sided, but who knows.
- This series is very interesting, though should go in favor of the Italian side rather easily. Schalke just sacked their manager not too long ago and is struggling to get points in the German league. A success in this tournament could really save the season for the club, but I just don't see it happening. Inter is finding their stride lately and really has the edge in this thing. The first leg in Milan will be very telling. If Schalke can keep it close, they might have a chance... I just don't see that happening.
- If there was one series I would wager a large amount of money on, it would be this one. Barca is simply the much better side and should be able to dominate this series. I think Shakhtar is going to give them a run for their money, especially considering they have nothing to lose. At the end of the day, though, Barca has just too much talent to not win this series. The one interesting aspect of this series is that the first leg is in Barcelona. If Shakhtar can get an away goal and keep it close, that return leg will be a really open game and fun to watch.
- This one is really going to be fun to watch. With so many different story lines and such on the line, the match-up of these two squads is bound to be a thriller. United has struggled a bit lately, but so has Chelsea. Neither team is playing at their top form, but this presents a perfect opportunity to spring board the rest of the season off of. The first leg at Stamford Bridge should be fascinating to watch. Chelsea has quite the edge on their home pitch, but United has proven they can get results anywhere if they play their best. I think this series is bound for extra time back at Old Trafford, honestly. I may be hoping more than anything that it goes to penalties, as well, as that would just be too good of a story.
The quarters have been set and so has the bracket for how this thing will play out. UEFA rigged it in a way that says "hey, look, we don't rig these things". With the final being in Wembley, you would think they would slide the 2 big English teams on opposite sides of the bracket so as to have the potential of an epic all English final in front of the English fans. Instead, the "random draw" put the two big remaining English teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, against each other in the quarters. This is the obvious big match-up, with the rest having an obvious favorite. The only other draw that really appeals to me is the Madrid vs Spurs match-up. I think that one is still very one-sided, but who knows. Here is how I see this round going:
Real Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspurs -
This series will be much like the Milan v Spurs match-up in the previous round: Spurs holding on for dear life and praying for a counter. With the first leg in Madrid, you have to think that Spurs will simply try to keep the scoring low and get one late, exactly like they did in Milan. I doubt this works for them. The attach heavy style of Madrid will be too much, even if Ronaldo can't play, and the visitors will be put into a hole. On the return home they will put up a good fight. However, opening play against Madrid is a very dangerous thing to do.
This series will be much like the Milan v Spurs match-up in the previous round: Spurs holding on for dear life and praying for a counter. With the first leg in Madrid, you have to think that Spurs will simply try to keep the scoring low and get one late, exactly like they did in Milan. I doubt this works for them. The attach heavy style of Madrid will be too much, even if Ronaldo can't play, and the visitors will be put into a hole. On the return home they will put up a good fight. However, opening play against Madrid is a very dangerous thing to do.- First leg: Madrid 2 - Spurs 0
- Second leg: Madrid 1 - Spurs 1
Mardid Advances to the semis
Inter vs Schalke
- This series is very interesting, though should go in favor of the Italian side rather easily. Schalke just sacked their manager not too long ago and is struggling to get points in the German league. A success in this tournament could really save the season for the club, but I just don't see it happening. Inter is finding their stride lately and really has the edge in this thing. The first leg in Milan will be very telling. If Schalke can keep it close, they might have a chance... I just don't see that happening. - First leg: Inter 3 - Schalke 0
- Second leg: Inter 1 - Schalke 2
Inter Advances to the semis
Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk
- If there was one series I would wager a large amount of money on, it would be this one. Barca is simply the much better side and should be able to dominate this series. I think Shakhtar is going to give them a run for their money, especially considering they have nothing to lose. At the end of the day, though, Barca has just too much talent to not win this series. The one interesting aspect of this series is that the first leg is in Barcelona. If Shakhtar can get an away goal and keep it close, that return leg will be a really open game and fun to watch. - First leg: Barca 2 - Shakhtar 1
- Second leg: Barca 2 - Shakhtar 2
Barca Advances to the semis in a thriller
Manchester United vs Chelsea
- This one is really going to be fun to watch. With so many different story lines and such on the line, the match-up of these two squads is bound to be a thriller. United has struggled a bit lately, but so has Chelsea. Neither team is playing at their top form, but this presents a perfect opportunity to spring board the rest of the season off of. The first leg at Stamford Bridge should be fascinating to watch. Chelsea has quite the edge on their home pitch, but United has proven they can get results anywhere if they play their best. I think this series is bound for extra time back at Old Trafford, honestly. I may be hoping more than anything that it goes to penalties, as well, as that would just be too good of a story. - First leg: Chelsea 2 - United 1
- Second leg: Chelsea 1 - United 2
United Advances to the semis after winning 4-3 in penalties. Giggs with the winning pk
Thus, here is how I see the semis stacking up:
Madrid vs Inter
and
Barca vs United
- I think we would see a Madrid v United final that would, again, be rich in story lines and such.
Cheers,
15 to 32
FORZA MILAN
FORZA REAL
