As much as I love seeing the European draws, the Champions League knock-out round's draw is always a tease, as we won't see the ties for another two months. I won't make my official predictions until a few days before the ties, since we have a ton of time and a whole transfer window to go through, which could change the prospective of many of the teams. For now though, there are a few interesting points to look at:
LUCKY DRAW: Bayern Munich.
Despite their victory over Manchester United, FC Basel must be considered the biggest underdogs at this stage, and now face the daunting task of knocking off German giants Bayern. Bayern took care of the other big Swiss side, FC Zurich, 3-0 on aggregate in qualifying. As Bayern's directors have already stated, this is the tie they wanted, and they will be heavy favorites to come through. Basel have showed they can score against a big side, with five goals against Manchester United in their two games. However, few can expect the Swiss side to come through here. Barring any major injuries to the Bayern side, we can safely expect a relatively easy Bayern win. Hopefully it won't be as lopsided as their record 12-1 aggregate win over Sporting Lisbon a few years ago.
UNLUCKY ENGLISH: English sides get two worst draws.
I ranked Napoli and AC Milan as the toughest teams in the runners-up pot, and they were drawn against English sides Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. Chelsea will be challenged by Napoli's pace and skill up top, and Arsenal's sometimes faulty defense will be put to the test of Zlatan, Pato, Robinho and company. This one I really won't look much into, because I think Chelsea, Arsenal and AC Milan are all going to make some major moves in the transfer window. Both English sides will be slight favorites, but you could see either or both going out.
TRICKY SPANISH: Largely unknown opponents will provide challenge for Spanish giants.
Real Madrid face a trip to Russia to face CSKA and Barcelona face off against Bayer Leverkusen. Playing in Russia will be difficult for Real Madrid, as it is quite chilly in February. CSKA have some strong players and if they can play well in Russia, they can remember Rubin Kazan's win at the Nou Camp in 2009, the biggest victory for a Russian side in Spain. Bayer Leverkusen would have come in first in Group E if they could have defeated Genk on the final matchday, but the draw has sent them to play holders Barcelona. Bayer can present Barcelona with some challenge if they can handle the Catalan side's dearth of attacking talent. The loss of David Villa should not be too drastic, but it will affect their depth both domestically and in Europe. I would expect both Spanish sides to get through, but perhaps not quite as easy as it looks for one or both sides.
UPSET ALERT: Lyon.
Well, you probably saw that one coming. Other than FC Basel, this is the best draw for Cypriot minnows APOEL, as they avoid a perennial giant. Lyon is strong, but they are hardly a Bayern or Madrid, especially as they limped through the group stage. Six of their eight points came against hapless Dinamo Zagreb, they failed to score in two ties against Ajax (although they did not concede either) and were very overmatched against Real Madrid, losing 6-0 on aggregate. APOEL had not lost a game until the last day's game against Shakhtar (which was essentially meaningless) and have come up with three draws in their three road ties. That will be the gameplan against Lyon, to tie the first match in France, then hope to come home to their roaring crowd to knockout the French side. Lyon will be favorites but they are ripe for the picking, and APOEL has a great chance at having their European dream continue.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Calamity, Comeback, and Controversy
What a week in Europe. This final matchday was definitely one of the best I have ever seen. It had all of the elements - underdogs advancing, shock results from the big clubs, and some of the expected teams inching their way through. Let's start in Basel.
Manchester United's 2-1 loss to FC Basel was the most shocking result I have seen in the Champions League. Rubin Kazan's 2-1 win at the Nou Camp in 2009 was also a stunner, but was early in the group stage and had no effect on qualification. Coming into the game, I didn't think the Swiss side had a chance - if they played really well they could hold United to a draw, maybe threaten a few times, but still wind up in the Europa League. Completely wrong. Not only did Basel win the game, but they were the better side, which was completely unfathomable twenty-four hours ago. Xherdan Shaqiri was simply fantastic in the middle, and Alexander Frei played like the Frei prior to Euro 2008. Most importantly, they took their chances when they were given, while United was continually wasteful. Even on United's goal, Macheda managed to strike the crossbar from six yards out with the net at his mercy. Manchester United's season is looking more and more like Chelsea's season last year. There were dampened expectations, but they got off to a fantastic start to calm the worries. Now there is a reality check, and this team, especially defensively, is far from elite. The talent is still there, and (minus his moaning about the officials, which for the first time, I did not hear following a loss) Sir Alex is a fantastic manager, so there is no need to panic. But the club is out of the Champions League, face Manchester City at Eastlands in the FA Cup, and lost in the Carling Cup to Crystal Palace. Other than the FA Cup, that leaves the league, which will be very difficult with City, and the Europa League. United could be hard-pressed to find a trophy this season. The United fans may stop singing at the Arsenal fans because they'll feel just like them.
Marseille's win over Dortmund was nearly as stunning, after the German side took a 2-0 lead inside thirty-five minutes. However, with Olympiakos winning, the French side needed a win and stormed back to win 3-2. Mathieu Valbuena's wonder-goal won the game for Marseille just two minutes after they had leveled the score off of a corner. The French side deserved to go through after displaying such quality. I would love to see Marseille matched up against Inter in the draw. It would be two sides that are struggling terribly domestically but playing fantastic in Europe (which makes no sense whatsoever). It's stunning for Olympiakos, who had won three of their final four games after dropping the opening two. The Greeks beat a weakened Arsenal side 3-1 to give themselves the best chance, but fell a point short due to Valbuena's winner. The Greeks will have to settle for the Europa League.
The controversy was served up in Croatia, of all places. Lyon came into the final matchday trailing Ajax by three points and seven goals, heading to Zagreb to face Dinamo while Ajax hosted Real Madrid. These are the facts: Ajax had two goals wrongly ruled out for offside in a 3-0 loss to Madrid, while Lyon, tied 1-1 at half-time, scored six goals in the second half to win 7-1 and go through. I'm not into conspiracy theories (see: Chelsea-Barcelona, 2009 - not a conspiracy, simply horrendous officiating), but there are some bases for angry fans to fuel their claims. Especially after a Dinamo Zagreb player looks like he is winking at Gomis after Lyon's fifth goal. It is foolish to accuse without evidence, so as of now, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb are in the clear, but I will be interested to see if any more facts arise. I honestly hope not, because UEFA has had so many issues over the past decade with the Eastern Europe scandal, as well as domestic scandals in Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey. If not, this is as stunning a comeback for Lyon as it was for Marseille. The French teams really put on a show this week (other than Lille).
Again, I am truly shocked United crashed out. As for City, I could see it coming. Many of the players had little-to-no European experience and they were handed a very difficult group. Porto and Lille were huge disappointments as well - they both needed a win in their final game against arguably inferior opposition, and both could only muster 0-0 draws. The draw for the knockout round is next Friday. Here is how I'd rank the teams, in terms of strongest to weakest:
Pot 1 Pot 2
1) Barcelona 1) Napoli
2) Real Madrid 2) AC Milan
3) Bayern Munich 3) Marseille
4) Chelsea 4) Zenit
5) Arsenal 5) Bayer Leverkusen
6) Inter Milan 6) Lyon
7) Benfica 7) CSKA Moscow
8) APOEL Nicosia 8) FC Basel
Teams in Pot 1 cannot be matched up against 1) those in their federation or 2) the team that finished runners-up in their group. So Inter cannot play Napoli, AC Milan or CSKA, and likewise, Bayern cannot play Napoli or Bayer. I'd really want to avoid Napoli or Milan, as those two sides are much stronger and talented than any of the other teams in Pot 2. APOEL and FC Basel are true minnows now and are likely to be eliminated unless they face one another. The draw will determine the fate of some of the weaker teams, as a matchup with Barcelona or Real Madrid would be deadly.
Manchester United's 2-1 loss to FC Basel was the most shocking result I have seen in the Champions League. Rubin Kazan's 2-1 win at the Nou Camp in 2009 was also a stunner, but was early in the group stage and had no effect on qualification. Coming into the game, I didn't think the Swiss side had a chance - if they played really well they could hold United to a draw, maybe threaten a few times, but still wind up in the Europa League. Completely wrong. Not only did Basel win the game, but they were the better side, which was completely unfathomable twenty-four hours ago. Xherdan Shaqiri was simply fantastic in the middle, and Alexander Frei played like the Frei prior to Euro 2008. Most importantly, they took their chances when they were given, while United was continually wasteful. Even on United's goal, Macheda managed to strike the crossbar from six yards out with the net at his mercy. Manchester United's season is looking more and more like Chelsea's season last year. There were dampened expectations, but they got off to a fantastic start to calm the worries. Now there is a reality check, and this team, especially defensively, is far from elite. The talent is still there, and (minus his moaning about the officials, which for the first time, I did not hear following a loss) Sir Alex is a fantastic manager, so there is no need to panic. But the club is out of the Champions League, face Manchester City at Eastlands in the FA Cup, and lost in the Carling Cup to Crystal Palace. Other than the FA Cup, that leaves the league, which will be very difficult with City, and the Europa League. United could be hard-pressed to find a trophy this season. The United fans may stop singing at the Arsenal fans because they'll feel just like them.
Marseille's win over Dortmund was nearly as stunning, after the German side took a 2-0 lead inside thirty-five minutes. However, with Olympiakos winning, the French side needed a win and stormed back to win 3-2. Mathieu Valbuena's wonder-goal won the game for Marseille just two minutes after they had leveled the score off of a corner. The French side deserved to go through after displaying such quality. I would love to see Marseille matched up against Inter in the draw. It would be two sides that are struggling terribly domestically but playing fantastic in Europe (which makes no sense whatsoever). It's stunning for Olympiakos, who had won three of their final four games after dropping the opening two. The Greeks beat a weakened Arsenal side 3-1 to give themselves the best chance, but fell a point short due to Valbuena's winner. The Greeks will have to settle for the Europa League.
The controversy was served up in Croatia, of all places. Lyon came into the final matchday trailing Ajax by three points and seven goals, heading to Zagreb to face Dinamo while Ajax hosted Real Madrid. These are the facts: Ajax had two goals wrongly ruled out for offside in a 3-0 loss to Madrid, while Lyon, tied 1-1 at half-time, scored six goals in the second half to win 7-1 and go through. I'm not into conspiracy theories (see: Chelsea-Barcelona, 2009 - not a conspiracy, simply horrendous officiating), but there are some bases for angry fans to fuel their claims. Especially after a Dinamo Zagreb player looks like he is winking at Gomis after Lyon's fifth goal. It is foolish to accuse without evidence, so as of now, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb are in the clear, but I will be interested to see if any more facts arise. I honestly hope not, because UEFA has had so many issues over the past decade with the Eastern Europe scandal, as well as domestic scandals in Germany, Italy, Greece and Turkey. If not, this is as stunning a comeback for Lyon as it was for Marseille. The French teams really put on a show this week (other than Lille).
Again, I am truly shocked United crashed out. As for City, I could see it coming. Many of the players had little-to-no European experience and they were handed a very difficult group. Porto and Lille were huge disappointments as well - they both needed a win in their final game against arguably inferior opposition, and both could only muster 0-0 draws. The draw for the knockout round is next Friday. Here is how I'd rank the teams, in terms of strongest to weakest:
Pot 1 Pot 2
1) Barcelona 1) Napoli
2) Real Madrid 2) AC Milan
3) Bayern Munich 3) Marseille
4) Chelsea 4) Zenit
5) Arsenal 5) Bayer Leverkusen
6) Inter Milan 6) Lyon
7) Benfica 7) CSKA Moscow
8) APOEL Nicosia 8) FC Basel
Teams in Pot 1 cannot be matched up against 1) those in their federation or 2) the team that finished runners-up in their group. So Inter cannot play Napoli, AC Milan or CSKA, and likewise, Bayern cannot play Napoli or Bayer. I'd really want to avoid Napoli or Milan, as those two sides are much stronger and talented than any of the other teams in Pot 2. APOEL and FC Basel are true minnows now and are likely to be eliminated unless they face one another. The draw will determine the fate of some of the weaker teams, as a matchup with Barcelona or Real Madrid would be deadly.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Champions League - Matchday 6: Qualification for Knockout Stages
This Tuesday and Wednesday comprise the final matchday of the group stage of this year's Champions League. Here is a breakdown of what to watch in each group:
GROUP A
Bayern are top of the group and have already won it following their win over Villarreal. Napoli sit a point ahead of Manchester City after their win last matchday in Naples. City are home to Bayern knowing they must win and hope Napoli draw or lose in Spain. A draw is not good enough, as Napoli have the edge head-to-head. City have looked like one of the top sides in Europe in the Premier League but have struggled in Group A, but I think they will win against a Bayern side with nothing to play for. However, Napoli face inferior opposition with even less motivation than the Germans, and should have no trouble taking care of business, even though they must travel.
Manchester City - Bayern Munich: HOME WIN
Villarreal - Napoli: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Bayern Munich, 2) Napoli. Europa League: Manchester City
GROUP B
Inter Milan have put their miserable domestic form to the side and have won Group B with a game to spare. Unfancied Trabzonspor lead Lille and CSKA by a point for second, put face a trip to France, while CSKA goes to Italy. Despite only losing a single game in the competition, it is difficult to see the Turks holding off Lille and going through. Even a draw might not be enough as CSKA face what will likely be a weakened Inter side. Look for Lille, who have improved steadily throughout the competition and sit third in Ligue 1, to defeat Trabzonspor and go through. CSKA could see a difficult time in Italy but they should be able to squeak through to continue a European adventure.
Lille - Trabzonspor: HOME WIN
Inter Milan - CSKA Moscow - DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Inter Milan, 2) Lille. Europa League: CSKA Moscow
GROUP C
Benfica lead Group C on head-to-head over Manchester United with both clubs sitting on nine points, and have already qualified. FC Basel are close behind with eight, while Otelul have yet to gain a point in the competition. United travel to Switzerland, hoping for a better showing than their 3-3 result against Basel on Matchday 2, while Benfica host the Romanian side. Benfica should win easily, as although Otelul have not been blown away, they have shown no capability of pulling an upset. That would make the Portuguese side group winners and leave second to either United or Basel. Despite the 3-3 draw in England, United are huge favorites, knowing a draw will send them through. United never play for a draw though and will surely be attacking from the start. As comical as it would be to see United lose this game, you can't really reasonably predict it. United always seem to do enough to get through. It should be an interesting game nonetheless, especially if Basel are able to score the first goal.
Benfica - Otelul Galati: HOME WIN
Basel - Manchester United: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Benfica, 2) Manchester United. Europa League: FC Basel
GROUP D
Real Madrid have won Group D with five wins out of five. Ajax are second on eight points, Lyon third on five, and Dinamo Zagreb prop up the group with zero. Ajax and Lyon are even head-to-head, but Ajax is ahead of Lyon by seven goals on goal difference. Ajax must host Real Madrid, but if there is any good time to face the Spanish giants, it is this week. Real have nothing to play for and face Barcelona this weekend in La Liga. They have enormous squad depth, but surely Mourinho will not choose close to his strongest side. Ajax only need a point so Lyon have to hope Madrid can pull out a win, and they must absolutely hammer Dinamo in Zagreb. I think Lyon can put up four or five on the Croatians, but their result will not matter.
Ajax - Real Madrid: DRAW
Dinamo Zagreb - Lyon: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Real Madrid, 2) Ajax. Europa League: Lyon
GROUP E
Bayer Leverkusen lead group E after their last minute win over Chelsea, who are tied on eight points with Valencia. Genk have just their two draws in five games, while scoring just a single goal. Leverkusen travel to Belgium while Chelsea host Valencia. Bayer is through, and Chelsea can qualify with a 0-0 draw (if Bayer do not lose to Genk) or a win. Genk have been tough at home and Bayer have been woeful on the road, but the Germans should be able to avoid defeat. A win is certainly far more likely than a loss. Chelsea will be playing to win at home to make sure of qualification, but their home form has been terrible lately so you really don't know what to expect. An early goal from Valencia would send jolts through Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should be able to do enough to just barely squeak through here.
Chelsea - Valencia: HOME WIN
Racing Genk - Bayer Leverkusen: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Bayer Leverkusen, 2) Chelsea. Europa League: Valencia
GROUP F
Arsenal have won the group ahead of their trip to Greece, and Marseille are second, one point ahead of Olympiakos, and three ahead of Dortmund, where they head tomorrow. This group has a variety of scenarios that can see any of the three other teams qualifying. To have any hope, Dortmund must win by at least four goals, and hope Olympiakos lose to Arsenal, because a draw would mean they must win by five goals to go through. Olympiakos hope Marseille do not win, and a win or draw (if Marseille loses by two, three or four goals) would send them through. Marseille can go through with a draw if Olympiakos draws or loses, a win in Germany, or a loss by one goal and an Olympiakos loss or draw. Very confusing. I have no clue what's going to happen here. Dortmund clearly look the unlikeliest to qualify but it is not out of the question. Olympiakos have improved throughout the competition after losing their first two games and Arsenal will be far weaker than normal. These games should be fantastic.
Dortmund - Marseille: DRAW
Olympiakos - Arsenal: DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Arsenal, 2) Marseille. Europa League: Olympiakos
GROUP G
Surprise package (and personal favorite, other than Chelsea of course) APOEL have become the first Cypriot team to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League after their 0-0 draw against Zenit. The Russians head to Portugal to face Porto needing a draw to go through, while the Portuguese must fight for a win. Shakhtar have been very disappointing, as they are completely out of the picture. APOEL look likeliest to win the group, as Porto are very tough at home and Zenit will probably play for a draw to get through. They would have to lose along with a Porto win to finish second. Despite their struggles I believe Porto gets through too. They are historically difficult to beat at home and needing a win here, they can attain the result. Hulk should lead the way for the reigning Portuguese and Europa League champions.
APOEL - Shakhtar Donetsk: DRAW
FC Porto - Zenit St. Petersburg: HOME WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) APOEL, 2) FC Porto. Europa League: Zenit St. Petersburg
GROUP H
Group H has the least amount of drama, as Barcelona have already won the group and AC Milan are second. Plzen host Milan while BATE travel to Spain, hoping to replicate Rubin Kazan's stunning upset at the Camp Nou two years ago. It is extremely unlikely. Barca will be preparing for Real Madrid this weekend but they still have a strong enough squad to defeat BATE. Plzen have a far greater chance of pulling an upset, as they are a more dangerous side. A draw would be enough to send them into the Europa League.
Barcelona - BATE Borisov: HOME WIN
Viktoria Plzen - AC Milan: DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Barcelona, 2) AC Milan. Europa League: Viktoria Plzen
If the groups came out this way, the knockout round would consist of the group winners(Bayern, Inter, Benfica, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, APOEL, and Barcelona) in Pot 1, and the runner-ups (Napoli, Lille, Manchester United, Ajax, Chelsea, Marseille, Porto, and AC Milan) in Pot 2. There are the potential for some heavyweight ties in there, and Barcelona could face a stiff early test in Napoli, Manchester United or Chelsea. Groups A-D will be played on Wednesday while Groups E-H are Tuesday. Go Blues!
GROUP A
Bayern are top of the group and have already won it following their win over Villarreal. Napoli sit a point ahead of Manchester City after their win last matchday in Naples. City are home to Bayern knowing they must win and hope Napoli draw or lose in Spain. A draw is not good enough, as Napoli have the edge head-to-head. City have looked like one of the top sides in Europe in the Premier League but have struggled in Group A, but I think they will win against a Bayern side with nothing to play for. However, Napoli face inferior opposition with even less motivation than the Germans, and should have no trouble taking care of business, even though they must travel.
Manchester City - Bayern Munich: HOME WIN
Villarreal - Napoli: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Bayern Munich, 2) Napoli. Europa League: Manchester City
GROUP B
Inter Milan have put their miserable domestic form to the side and have won Group B with a game to spare. Unfancied Trabzonspor lead Lille and CSKA by a point for second, put face a trip to France, while CSKA goes to Italy. Despite only losing a single game in the competition, it is difficult to see the Turks holding off Lille and going through. Even a draw might not be enough as CSKA face what will likely be a weakened Inter side. Look for Lille, who have improved steadily throughout the competition and sit third in Ligue 1, to defeat Trabzonspor and go through. CSKA could see a difficult time in Italy but they should be able to squeak through to continue a European adventure.
Lille - Trabzonspor: HOME WIN
Inter Milan - CSKA Moscow - DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Inter Milan, 2) Lille. Europa League: CSKA Moscow
GROUP C
Benfica lead Group C on head-to-head over Manchester United with both clubs sitting on nine points, and have already qualified. FC Basel are close behind with eight, while Otelul have yet to gain a point in the competition. United travel to Switzerland, hoping for a better showing than their 3-3 result against Basel on Matchday 2, while Benfica host the Romanian side. Benfica should win easily, as although Otelul have not been blown away, they have shown no capability of pulling an upset. That would make the Portuguese side group winners and leave second to either United or Basel. Despite the 3-3 draw in England, United are huge favorites, knowing a draw will send them through. United never play for a draw though and will surely be attacking from the start. As comical as it would be to see United lose this game, you can't really reasonably predict it. United always seem to do enough to get through. It should be an interesting game nonetheless, especially if Basel are able to score the first goal.
Benfica - Otelul Galati: HOME WIN
Basel - Manchester United: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Benfica, 2) Manchester United. Europa League: FC Basel
GROUP D
Real Madrid have won Group D with five wins out of five. Ajax are second on eight points, Lyon third on five, and Dinamo Zagreb prop up the group with zero. Ajax and Lyon are even head-to-head, but Ajax is ahead of Lyon by seven goals on goal difference. Ajax must host Real Madrid, but if there is any good time to face the Spanish giants, it is this week. Real have nothing to play for and face Barcelona this weekend in La Liga. They have enormous squad depth, but surely Mourinho will not choose close to his strongest side. Ajax only need a point so Lyon have to hope Madrid can pull out a win, and they must absolutely hammer Dinamo in Zagreb. I think Lyon can put up four or five on the Croatians, but their result will not matter.
Ajax - Real Madrid: DRAW
Dinamo Zagreb - Lyon: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Real Madrid, 2) Ajax. Europa League: Lyon
GROUP E
Bayer Leverkusen lead group E after their last minute win over Chelsea, who are tied on eight points with Valencia. Genk have just their two draws in five games, while scoring just a single goal. Leverkusen travel to Belgium while Chelsea host Valencia. Bayer is through, and Chelsea can qualify with a 0-0 draw (if Bayer do not lose to Genk) or a win. Genk have been tough at home and Bayer have been woeful on the road, but the Germans should be able to avoid defeat. A win is certainly far more likely than a loss. Chelsea will be playing to win at home to make sure of qualification, but their home form has been terrible lately so you really don't know what to expect. An early goal from Valencia would send jolts through Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should be able to do enough to just barely squeak through here.
Chelsea - Valencia: HOME WIN
Racing Genk - Bayer Leverkusen: AWAY WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) Bayer Leverkusen, 2) Chelsea. Europa League: Valencia
GROUP F
Arsenal have won the group ahead of their trip to Greece, and Marseille are second, one point ahead of Olympiakos, and three ahead of Dortmund, where they head tomorrow. This group has a variety of scenarios that can see any of the three other teams qualifying. To have any hope, Dortmund must win by at least four goals, and hope Olympiakos lose to Arsenal, because a draw would mean they must win by five goals to go through. Olympiakos hope Marseille do not win, and a win or draw (if Marseille loses by two, three or four goals) would send them through. Marseille can go through with a draw if Olympiakos draws or loses, a win in Germany, or a loss by one goal and an Olympiakos loss or draw. Very confusing. I have no clue what's going to happen here. Dortmund clearly look the unlikeliest to qualify but it is not out of the question. Olympiakos have improved throughout the competition after losing their first two games and Arsenal will be far weaker than normal. These games should be fantastic.
Dortmund - Marseille: DRAW
Olympiakos - Arsenal: DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Arsenal, 2) Marseille. Europa League: Olympiakos
GROUP G
Surprise package (and personal favorite, other than Chelsea of course) APOEL have become the first Cypriot team to qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League after their 0-0 draw against Zenit. The Russians head to Portugal to face Porto needing a draw to go through, while the Portuguese must fight for a win. Shakhtar have been very disappointing, as they are completely out of the picture. APOEL look likeliest to win the group, as Porto are very tough at home and Zenit will probably play for a draw to get through. They would have to lose along with a Porto win to finish second. Despite their struggles I believe Porto gets through too. They are historically difficult to beat at home and needing a win here, they can attain the result. Hulk should lead the way for the reigning Portuguese and Europa League champions.
APOEL - Shakhtar Donetsk: DRAW
FC Porto - Zenit St. Petersburg: HOME WIN
QUALIFIERS: 1) APOEL, 2) FC Porto. Europa League: Zenit St. Petersburg
GROUP H
Group H has the least amount of drama, as Barcelona have already won the group and AC Milan are second. Plzen host Milan while BATE travel to Spain, hoping to replicate Rubin Kazan's stunning upset at the Camp Nou two years ago. It is extremely unlikely. Barca will be preparing for Real Madrid this weekend but they still have a strong enough squad to defeat BATE. Plzen have a far greater chance of pulling an upset, as they are a more dangerous side. A draw would be enough to send them into the Europa League.
Barcelona - BATE Borisov: HOME WIN
Viktoria Plzen - AC Milan: DRAW
QUALIFIERS: 1) Barcelona, 2) AC Milan. Europa League: Viktoria Plzen
If the groups came out this way, the knockout round would consist of the group winners(Bayern, Inter, Benfica, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal, APOEL, and Barcelona) in Pot 1, and the runner-ups (Napoli, Lille, Manchester United, Ajax, Chelsea, Marseille, Porto, and AC Milan) in Pot 2. There are the potential for some heavyweight ties in there, and Barcelona could face a stiff early test in Napoli, Manchester United or Chelsea. Groups A-D will be played on Wednesday while Groups E-H are Tuesday. Go Blues!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)