Champions League Delivers Exciting Draw

An all Spanish affair, a repeat of last years semi-final, a battle of the billionaires and a rivalry rekindled. 

The quarter final draw of the Champions League has certainly provided some pulsating match-ups. 

Holders and favourites for the competition Bayern Munich will face Manchester United. A draw which the German side will certainly be happy with.

Real Madrid will play Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of last years semi final. Chelsea will face Paris Saint Germain while Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid.

The first legs will be played on 1-2 April, with the return matches on 8-9 April.

The Champions League quarter final draw was always going to be very interesting given the quality of the sides left....... and Manchester United. It is amazing to think that Manchester United are the weakest side in the draw and the one many of the teams would have liked to face.

Manchester United v Bayern Munich 

Moyes reaction the news

For many this will be the most predictable of the ties. Bayern Munich are 23 points ahead in the Bundesliga, unbeaten in 50 league games and heralded by many as the best team in Europe. A side that has shown its class already beating both Arsenal and Manchester City and have set their sights in being the first club to retain the Champions League.

This is the task facing a Manchester United side who have endured a very poor season by their standards. For the first time in my lifetime they are not even in the Premier League title race and are looking a certainty to finish outside the top 3 for the first time in Premier League history. It will be their lowest finish since finishing 6th in the 1990-1991 season.  Add to this disappointing exits from both of the domestic cups and it is easy to see why the pressure has been mounting in new man David Moyes.

The only real success for Moyes, if you can call it that, is this Champions League run. I know the opposition have not been the sternest but they have got to the quarter finals. However they now face arguably the strongest and most in-form side in European if not World football. It is therefore no surprise that the bookmakers make Pep Guardiola's Bayern 1/4 to go through.

When you look at the sides it is difficult to see how you can compare the two midfields. United has Fellani, Cleverely and Carrick while Bayern has the likes of Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Gotze and Thiago. To think United have a chance would appear on paper as laughable. Wednesday night showed everything you need to know when the great 40-year old Ryan Giggs not only plays but runs the show for United. As great a player as Giggs is, of that there is no question, United should not still be relying on him. Giggs will undoubtedly play in this tie however how effective he can be is another issue. It is difficult to see United even having the ball, let alone being able to actually cause Bayern any serious trouble. There is just too many weaknesses in the United side. How Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson managed to win titles without seriously addressing this issue is incredible.

Robben must be looking forward to this one

The central midfield is the stand out area of difference however to be honest Bayern are stronger nearly all over the field. The attacking presence of Ribery, Robben and Muller just adds to the already stellar cast. Add to this United's defensive troubles of players well past their best in Evra, Ferdinand and Vidic  combined with liabilities likes Rafael and Bayern are laughing. Players like Evans, Smalling, Buttner and Jones to me still have plenty to prove they are of sufficient quality to play at this level.

But there is always hope, their close encounters from the past will be mentioned in the build up but unfortunately at present , very much like AC Milan, Manchester United are now just a name. To have a chance the United players are going roll back the years in the case of Vidic and Ferdinand or have the game of their lives. Up front there will be huge pressure on Wayne Rooney as the injury to Robin Van Persie just compounds United's troubles.

My prediction would be a very comfortable win for Bayern in both legs. I can already see the headlines now of 'a lesson being taught' , 'outclassed', 'embarrassed' and the classic comments of the worsening standard of Premier League sides. I would like to think United will play well above what we have seen this season as I always like to see English sides perform well however  I just cannot see them being able to. Sadly they are just not good enough.

Chelsea v Paris Saint Germain 

This match is exceptionally hard to call. Chelsea are slight favourite to progress due to them being at home in the second leg.

Mourinho looking forward to another big european night

Both sides are well known for their billionaire owners and both sides do possess world stars. The stand out player is of course the ever shy and modest Swedish star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A man who relishes the big occasions and is the obvious danger man for PSG. The rest of the side boosts huge talent in players like Tiago Silva, Verratti , Cavani, Motta, Lucas Moura and Lavezzi. They are the new team on the block in European football and are only getting stronger with every pasting year.

Having said that if there is one side who could stop anyone it is Chelsea and Jose Mourinho. A man similar to Ibrahimovic in his modesty and shyness. Jose Mourinho is never happier when being the underdog. Either with Porto back in 2003 or Inter Milan in 2010 he loves taking on the big European football powerhouses and causing a shock. Similar to the Premier League title race he will make out Chelsea are huge underdogs however in reality they are not. They have a very good chance of progression and he knows that.

His tactics have had plenty of criticism however he is a winner and will do what it takes to win. For me the key will be the team selection. I think he will go with the men he can trust. Terry and Lampard for sure will play. Eto'o will start up top and Hazard and Schurrle.

It promises to be a fascinating match and would not be surprised to see tempers flare up.

My prediction is that Chelsea will squeeze through. It will not be pretty but it will get the job done.

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

Messi still the key man for Barcalona

For me Atletico Madrid have been a treat to watch this season. When you watch them it is how every fan wants to see his team. They play with real pace, commitment and quality. They are undoubtedly my outside best to win this tournament. I find it amazing that they are currently 20/1. I know they may lack the experience of this competition but they have a real chance. You can probably guess from that that I am strongly tipping Atletico for this one.

Barcelona are not the team of a few years ago and I think they are vunerable. In Messi they have an incredible talent and one that not only strikes fear into the opposition but provides belief and confidence to his own side. You see this in La Liga, when Messi does not play despite if they win or lose they are not the same side even for all their talents. They are still a top European side, I just have the feeling they are their for the taking. Bayern proved that last year and for me Barcelona have still not addressed the fundamental problem of the centre of defence.

Star Striker Costa has had a great season far 

For Atletico, Diego Costa, Turan and Koke have all impressed immensely this year and when you add a talent like David Villa into the mix they are an incredible exciting side. For me they will come through the tie and 'shock' people. They are second in La Liga, while Barcelona are third, and throughly deserve to be there. The bookies have Barcelona at 2/5 to go through, while price Athletico at 2/1.

Personally this is the tie I am most excited to watch.

Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund

This one is a repeat of last years semi-final of which Borussia Dortmund came through victorious. Having said that, I cannot see them repeating the feat this year.

Bale and Ronaldo both in fine form

Real Madrid are looking incredibly strong this season. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as part of a front three with Benzema is frighteningly good as they proved against Schalke. Ronaldo is have another wonderful season and deservedly picked up the World Player of the Year award. Bale moved to Real Madrid last sumer for a huge world record price and many doubted the value of the deal, they are not now. The comments at the time of him 'not being ready' are laughable. He was clearly ready. He is without doubt a world star who for me is only getting better.

While Madrid look stronger, Dortmund look weaker. The loss of Gotze was a hammer blow and despite still being a top European side who should not be underestimated I just think Real Madrid will have too much for them. Lewandowski will be the key man and he will need to be as clinical as he was last year to give them a chance. They also have many injuries which will not help the cause.

Bookies place Real Madrid at 2/9 while Dortmund at 3/1 to qualify.

My prediction is for Real Madrid to get though this one.

Personally I cannot wait for these matches to begin. This is without doubt the most exciting quarter final draw for years.

Drogba continues to role back the years as he fires Chelsea to first leg lead

Magnificent. Last night Chelsea produced one of their best ever Champions League performances just when they needed it.

Chelsea have plenty of recent history with Barcelona in this competition and after the injustice back in 2009 this one was always going to be a extra tense affair. There really is no love lost between these two.

Drogba fires home 

Didier Drogba's 45th minute strike (left) was enough to give Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. Barcelona dominated with nearly 80% procession in the game although just could not find a way through the stubborn Chelsea defence. However at times, as you need to in these sort of games, Chelsea had the luck.

In the first half Cesc Fabregas had two wonderful chances to put Barcelona ahead. Firstly after an Andres Iniesta shot could only be parried by Petr Cech, Fabregas from all of 8 yards sliced his effort wide with the goal at his mercy. Fabregas was then sent clean through one-on-one with Cech, he chipped past Cech however it was the terrific Ashley Cole, who got back to make a sublime goal line clearance. Fabregas also had another shot well saved by Cech, and you started to feel it was not going to be his night. Also in the first half Andres Iniesta put Alexis Sanchez clear with a wonderful chip over the top of the Chelsea defence. Sanchez also lobbed the on rushing Cech only to see his effort hit the bar.

However then in the the 45th minute Lionel Messi lost the ball to Frank Lampard just inside the Chelsea half. Lampard then provided a stunning reverse pass to set Ramires clear. Ramires then cut it back to Drogba who left-foot finish found the net. For me Victor Valdes should take some blame for his effort to save it. If he has lead with his hands and not with his feet I am sure he would have stopped it.

Guardiola left ruing missed opportunities

Into the second half and the pressure once again continued from Barcelona. Chelsea were throwing themselves in front of Barcelona shots, with Gary Cahill makes two crucial blocks. Then as time seemed to be running out Barcelona had possibly their best chance of the game. In the 90th minute Pedro shot hit the post and Sergio Busquets following in from all of 8 yards blazed his effort high over the bar. Pep Guardiola (left) cut the look of a frustrating man as the final whistle blow.

Last night performance from Chelsea was remarkable. The winning performance on Sunday over Tottenham was one of a Chelsea team of a few years ago. The big guns of Frank Lampard, Ashely Cole and John Terry and for me the most important influence of Didier Drogba all performed. This was also the case last night. It was almost like watching Chelsea under Jose Mourinho for me. Disciplined, dogged and resilient. Also a feature of his Inter Milan side who knocked Barcelona out 2 years ago at this stage. A further point is even though Mourinho has been gone nearly 5 years, 6 of his signing were in the 16 as well as the like of Terry and Lampard who were key to his team. They always say the team's spine is key to success and look at Chelsea and it's spine of Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba. All key components of Mourinho's Chelsea.

I have slated Chelsea at times this season, and deserved so, however last night performance deserves nothing but praise and admiration. To beat Barcelona is an incredible feat and one that should be acknowledged. Against a team that has the best player in the world in Messi, who Chelsea managed to keep reasonably quiet, and contains some of the greatest midfield men in the world Chelsea stepped up and performed. Yes, they are still up against it and face another enormous and greater challenge in the return leg next week but they showed last night why the fans will have hope. They have given themselves a fighting chance. Not conceding an away goal was another major bonus. For me I see more Chelsea as having a better chance then Arsenal did in the previous two years when they travel to the Nou Camp. This is partly due to the way they will play. I wrote at the time that Arsenal needed to play ugly to win however did not and got hammered with Arsene Wenger's pure football. Chelsea will make it tough and anything could happen.

Ash 'King' Cole.
without doubt Man of the Match

Roberto Di Matteo does also deserve plaudits with his tactics and team selection. Although I am not sure he is the one picking them. The players are playing as we know they can and not the producing the woeful performances they put in under Andre Villas Boas. They are playing with pride, hunger and passion. A team-performance it was and all those who played deserve great credit. The likes of John Obi Mikel played the best I have ever seen and Gary Cahill proved his International class however two players really stood up for me.

Ashley Cole (right) for me had the best game he has had for 2 years. Last night I saw just why he has been quoted as the best left back in the world. His all round performance was terrific. He was up and down the left hand side all night. His clearance of the line, his energy and professionalism impressed me. Ashley Cole has had his off the field problems and is one who regularly moans at the referee. However last night I did not see this side of Cole. His performance was one of maturity and drive. It was great to see, as it shows just how good he can be when 100% focused. It was performances like this one as to why Chelsea brought him back in 2006. For me he was without doubt man of the match.

The second was that of Didier Drogba. This a man written off by many, including myself as past his best and to be soon moving on. I still believe he is past his best although in the last two matches his has produced performances of near his best. His hold-up play and all round game has stood out. Yes, he has received plenty of criticism for his 'antics' and the amount of time he spent on the floor but the job he did for his team was what was needed. Also after his superb finish at the weekend, he seemed to be back in the hunt for goals and this is why he had to be picked over Fernando Torres. In a game such as this, playing the counter-attacking way, you are only going to get max 3 chances if that and you need a man who is going to finish them. Torres at the moment is not that man. Torres' lack of confidence in his own ability is clear for all to see. He reminds me of Andrey Shevchenko back in 2006/2007 season. A great player but just did not fit it. Torres is the same, again brought in for a large sum and at the want of the owner rather then manager. He does not look to me as 'part of the gang' if you will. He looks an outsider.  I personally think Torres will leave in the summer and think he should. If he did move club I can see him returning to form and getting the goals once again. But for me, it will never work out at Chelsea for Fernando Torres.

It will be interesting to see which team Terry selects next week for the return fixture as Chelsea attempt to get a result in the Nou Camp. If Chelsea can grab a goal it will make it interesting. For me they will need to score to have a chance.

In this kind of form, Chelsea have a great chance to go through to the final. It also helps them as they try to achieve top-four in the Premier League. This weekend against Arsenal is massive. Can the Chelsea old guard many in their 30's produce over four games, at the intensity these have been played in. In the first two they have gained an FA Cup Final and Champions League hope, producing the the next two could give them top-four finishing hope and a Champions League final. Chelsea have it all to play for.

Champions League Final set up for all Spanish clash

Where is it heading this year?

This mornings Champions League draw has presented the opportunity for the two spanish giants of Real Madrid and Barcelona to be lining up against each other at the Alliantz Area in Munich on the 19th May.  Obviously this is not a certainty and Bayern Munich who home ground is the Alliantz Area will be eager to be there and after their demolition of FC Basel they are certainly a contender.

Can anyone stop Messi?

Barcelona have drawn AC Milan in the quarters in the stand out tie of the draw. They met in the group stage and played out two very entertaining matches, with Barcelona winning 3-2 at the San Siro and it being a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. I expect these two matches to be similar after the way that both sides play. Milan will need all their big players to be at their best in this one. The likes of Robinho, Kevin Prince-Boateng, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato will need to cause Barcelona trouble if they are to progress. However personally I cannot see Barcelona struggling in this one. Milan second leg performance against Arsenal was poor and I know they had a four goal lead however they were dismal. They will be found out by Barcelona and can see them being on the end of a classic Barcelona hammering. For many Barcelona are the best team in the world and after seeing this draw I cannot see them not making the final. The irrepressible Lionel Messi (above right) will have a field day if Milan are as open as they were against Arsenal. With 12 goals already in this competition Milan must be afraid of this man who is quite simply the best in the world. Beating Milan will lead them to either Chelsea or Benfica. Neither of which will worry them in the slightest.

Can Di Matteo save Chelsea's season? 

Chelsea the only English representative left and have been drawn against Benfica. This is definitely a winnable fixture and one that I am sure they will feel confident going into.  Their performance against Napoli was one that Chelsea fans have rarely seen this season. However I am still not convinced by them and will be interested to see their next two games in the FA cup and then a massive premier league battle against Manchester City next wednesday. Roberto Di Matteo (left) I think will have trouble with the egos of the dressing room. The image of John Terry shouting orders from the touchline on wednesday night was perfect image of how Chelsea works. The player power is enormous. You would never see any Manchester United or any player from any team doing that no matter how passionate/experienced that player may be. Despite what they say the players did get Andre Villas Boas  the sack it was clear to see. In fact it made for rather disgusting viewing. I have never been a John Terry fan and have previously expressed my views of the person he is, and for me is a major problem for Chelsea along with the others. Chelsea remind me of Real Madrid a few years ago when they won nothing and managers were constantly sacked due to player power, notably from Raul. However on the pitch Chelsea have progressed and I expect an interesting tie against Benfica. As with many Portuguese sides the away leg is key. At home I think Chelsea must and will win. If they can come back from Benfica with either a 0-0, 1-1 or even 2-1 down I would still have faith that they will win and progress to the semis. However I have no confidence in them going any further then that.

The  'special one' eyes more success

The other side of the draw sees two, for me, straight forward ties. Although it sets up a fantastic semi-final. Bayern Munich are the only team who can trouble either of the Spanish duo. Neither Apoel or Marseille will trouble these two European giants of Munich and Madrid. This Bayern team play with real style and have plenty of class through the likes of Robben and Muller. They are on scintillating goalscoring form recording seven goals in their last two home wins over Hoffenheim and FC Basel in the past week. However they will need to be even better to beat a well drilled and organised Madrid side coach by the 'special one' Mourinho (left). Madrid are currently 10 points clear in La Liga and looking certain to win the title for the first time since 2008. Their squad is superb and in Ronaldo have one of the World's best. It is set to be a magnificent two games.

Quarter Final Draw: (ties to be played on 27/28 March and 3/4 April)

Apoel Nicosia v Real Madrid

Marseille v Bayern Munich

AC Milan v Barcelona

Benfica v Chelsea

Semi-Final Draw: (ties to be played on 17/18 April and 24/25 May)

Marseille/Bayern Munich vs Apoel Nicosia/Real Madrid

Benfica/Chelsea vs AC Milan/Barcelona

Madrid draw Barcelona in Champions League Semi-Final

Real Madrid have drawn Barcelona to set up a blockbuster Champions League Semi-final clash. 

Jose Mourinho (right) has taken a lot of stick from the fans, the press and many Real Madrid legends over the style in which his Madrid side plays.

The 'special one'

However I do believe that they are being very harsh. Earlier in the season he watched as his Madrid side were dismantled 5-0 by Barcelona, so to me it is fairly obvious that he is not going to play the same way or even attempt to take them on that their own game. Barcelona are without doubt man for man the best team in the world. However as Mourinho has shown in the last two encounters he is capable of tactically beating them. It isn't pretty but it is attritional. The closing down and breaking up of attacks stops Barcelona playing. This tactic takes an enormous amount of concentration of which he instils into his sides. People say it is boring however it is actually a wonderful watch to see the two styles collide. He knows that Barcelona are the better team however his ability to frustrate them is second to none. He did it with Inter Milan last year and I can see him doing it again this year. It will be a thrilling two legs. Having already played them twice it will be interesting to see if he persists with similar tactics.

Mourinho is known for surprises. The first game showed that. Playing Pepe in front of the back four in which he would break up attacks and then drive forward caught Barcelona by surprise. He, Pepe, was outstanding in the league game. A game in which Madrid had the chances to win. He wasn't so influential in the Copa Del Rey Final however the counter-attacking style did prevail.

The Champions League promises to be fascinating and I do think the winner of that tie will win the tournament at Wembley. You may not like it but you have to appreciate it. It gets results. Would Arsenal fans swap the pretty football for trophies? He is without doubt the best manager in the world at this moment in time.

There is no other manager in the world I would want if my team had to win a one off match.

Arsenal Tough Task

Tonight Arsenal without Theo Walcott and huge doubts over both Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, who even if play will not be fit, face the might of Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Barcelona are one of if not the best team in the world at the moment. Despite Arsenals stunning comeback at the Emirates they have to expect an all out assault tonight from Barcelona. Scoring goals is never a problem for Barcelona and at the Nou Camp they are almost a cert to score. Arsenal will not hold out. 

Last season Mourinho's boring yet masterful game plan of defending and shutting the game out worked. However they did concede and that was with the incredibly rigid and tight organisational unit that was Inter Milan. 

Wenger must be fearful of what could happen

Arsenal are not the same, they do not have the players to do it. They are not strong enough. As a result Arsenal must score goals and with Barcelona missing Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol they must fancy scoring. However I don't think they will as they lack the fire power. A not fully fit RVP and no Walcott means that a real genuine threat seem to be lacking. Having said that players such as Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin have the ability and will have to step up to the plate.

I just see Barcelona's midfield as too strong and can see Arsenal chasing shadows for much of the night. The forward line is also frighting and with the Arsenal defence not being dependable I can see many Barcelona chances. If Arsenal don't get going early they could easily find themselves 3/4 down by half time.

This will be a real mental and physical test for Arsenal. They will have to do more work off the ball then usual and shut men down early. If Arsenal go all out attack I do fear for them as that is clearly not the way to play. They don't have the players. To win this one Arsene Wenger (left) will have to go away from his perfect football idea and be prepared to win ugly. Although I have no faith that he will. He needs to forget those principals tonight as it is all about, as Charlie Sheen says, "Winning" the aggregate tie to progress. It is this mindset that separates Jose Mourinho from Wenger. Arsene ideas have won him nothing in recent years whereas Mourinho's cabinet is bursting.

 I am looking for a stirring performance from Arsenal and hope they go through, although my head tells me it is going to be a depressing night for Arsenal fans.

Wonderful Barcelona Teach Madrid A Real Lesson

Once again Barcelona have proven why they are the greatest team on the planet. 

The way in which they play football is that of sheer class. It was truly mesmerising and last night's game showed just how far away Real Madrid are from challenging them. Despite there impressive start under Jose Mourinho it was evident just how far they still have to go. I have no doubt that they will as with Mourinho in charge they will improve. 

Dynamic Duo-
Arguably the best on and off the field.
Guardiola with Messi are making Barcelona
 truly great 

I would not even rule them out of winning the league this year despite the humbling 5-0 thumping they received last night although it is a tough ask. No one saw such a result coming, it was billed as a tight affair that could go either way. Mourinho first chance as Real Madrid coach to show his sides improvement. His team were outplayed,outclassed and at numerous points torn apart by the magnificent movement and passing ability of Pep Guardiola's (left) Barcelona. Lionel Messi (left) , Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa were phenomental and the Madrid defence had nothing in reply. Maybe the occasion for the young Madrid players was too much as they are wonderful players however certain players such as Mesut Ozil were anonymous and really struggled to get into the game.

Barcelona do look a better team then last year and it is hard to believe they could improve on that. This year it would seem Barcelona will for me dominate and the chances on them winning the treble (La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League) must be good bet. The team is phenomenal and frightening for an opposition manager. 

I am sure the corresponding game at the Santiago Bernabeu will be different however last night showed that despite being the undisputed top two the gulf between the two is vast.

Mourinho Masterclass

Mourinho has plenty to smile about

This man is by far the best manager around. He tactically out thinks and outwits opponents. The victory over Barcelona and Chelsea was masterful. He found a way to defeat the reigning champions which no one saw possible. 

He has recieved much criticism from some over his so called 'boring' tactics however who's name is on the cup. The Barcelona game highlighted his class compared to that of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal who decided to play Barcelona at their game and suffered as a result. Jose Mourinho (above) had a plan and it was executed to perfection by his loyal team. Also he doesnt have the players to play expansive open football at Inter Milan so he has to come up with a way of winning with a good but not great Champions League team but who were 100% committed. The way he has won the Champions league with 10 players over 28 is remarkable. By his own omissions he said the players are older so do not have the pace for expansive football. However the pace of Barcelona have is frighting and so how he manage to calm and kill the game was an intriguing and masterful watch. 

His achievement at Inter should not be underestimated. In two years at Inter he has won two League titles, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Intaliana as well as the Champions League. This year he completed the historic treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Champions League) and this was the first time this had ever been achieved by an Italian side. It was also Inter's first ever Champions League title. The last time they won the tournament was back in 1965 when it was the old European Cup. Previous manager Roberto Mancini had plenty of domestic success however never got Inter anywhere near winning the Champions League, and were regularly defeated in the 2nd round comfortably. 

Mourinho's Inter played the classic Italian way of soaking up pressure then hitting on the break with a clinical finish, a throwback to great past Italian teams. Also like those teams, once Inter went 1-0 up you never really saw Bayern scoring, Inter were comfortable on the whole. It now seems certain he will be taking the Real Madrid job. He is the only one to sort out Real Madrid and all of the egos. Stopping Barcelona will be so difficult as of the might of Barcelona now with Villa and possibly Fabregas. However it will be incredible to see how he will attempt to defeat them over a 38 game season and if he can unite a broken Real. There is no doubt he is currently the best in the world and many fans would want him in charge of their team. He is the master without a doubt.