Harry's Challenge

Big test for Harry's men tonight

Tonight Harry Redknapp's (right) Tottenham side takes on Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in what will be a pulsating tie. Tottenham have performed very well so far in the tournament and have produced epic performances against both AC and Inter Milan. Granted AC Milan are not as strong as maybe the name gives the illusion of but still the performances were of real class. Tottenham deserve to be in the quarter finals and this is their chance for a memorable tie.

Real Madrid are very tough opponents however have been stuttering in La Liga and are once again in the shadow of their rivals Barcelona. For Real and Jose Mourinho the Champions League is their only real hope. Their weekend defeat possibly shows that they were concentrating on this game. However they are beatable, as Sporting Gijon proved, and Tottenham can do it. Tonight's result is key. At the Bernabeu Jose will be hoping for a 2-0 victory (which is 11-2 with Skybet). This will be a very good result for them. No away goals and nice lead. Whereas Tottenham would take a draw and an away goal that could prove vital.

Tottenham will have to be resilience and tough. I imagine they will play a similar way to the way they played at the San Siro, counterattacking when possible. With Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale this is a very dangerous outlet and one which Real will be fearful of. Also Rafael Van der Vart going back to his old club will be looking to prove a point. He has had a fantastic season and has proved to be a terrific capture by Redknapp. He is creative and very dangerous around the box. Real will know of his capabilities all too well. Peter Crouch will have his part to play and will do so with his usual style. If Jermaine Defoe is on he must take his chances, he wont get many if any. For me his is too inconsistent and at this level you have to be clinical.

One of Madrid's danger men- Ronaldo is a real threat

Madrid threat will come from Cristiano Ronaldo if he is in fact fit, which I doubt. He is their main man and goalscorer. If Ronaldo is not on top form then I can see Tottenham being able to contain them. Emmanuel Adebayor and Mesut Ozil both top players but can see Tottenham containing them. Real Madrid have many stars however if they will turn on the style tonight we will have to wait and see. If they do then Tottenham will have to be at their best to avoid a drubbing.

I expect a close encounter in which the score will finish 1-1 (8-1 Skybet).

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.