Champions League Draw

Filed in archive Champions League on December 16, 2005

Source: The Age

The Champions League last 16 has been drawn and it is as mouthwatering as the World Cup draw, probably moreso. The combinations are as follows (with my thoughts):

Match-up	Comment	Prediction
Chelsea v Barcelona	The gods of football are smiling. This should be a cracking rematch, and for once Chelsea isn't the one seeking revenge. Nou Camp on the return leg may scare Chelsea.	Barcelona
Real Madrid v Arsenal	Another quality tie. In another year, maybe a shoot-out, but this year it's evenly balanced.	Real Madrid
Benfica v Liverpool	So much for buying Simao. Benfica will be tough, but Liverpool's January buys will tip the balance.	Liverpool
Werder Bremen v Juventus	Bremen have had a good run, but Juve is quality this year.	Juve
Bayern Munich v AC Milan	Yet another clash of the titans. A tough call as both are quality sides again this year. Speed versus muscle. Edge to Bayern.	Bayern Munich
PSV v Lyon	And another great tie. Both sides are technically strong, quick, powerful. Lyon may get stronger as the year goes on.	Lyon
Ajax v Inter Milan	Ajax are good, but Inter better prepared. Ajax is more likely to sell in January, weakening the side.	Inter Milan
Rangers v Villareal	Rangers are no Artmedia, hang on, yes they are basically. Villareal is the surprise package, even without Reina.	Villareal

So, there we go. Back to the era of Spanish domination (due more to British weakness). With the exception of Villareal, the classic European groupings of year's gone by.

I look forward to seeing how Chelsea cope with the pressure. So far, the picture isn't promising despite the team's enormous purchases. Real are in the same boat, but Arsenal doesn't look as powerful as once, unless they get a great buy or two in January. Still, I wouldn't put my house on the outcome of that tie. Emotionally, I back Liverpool to prevail, as they seem to be getting stronger and learned a lot last year. After the round of 16, it's a toss up. The transfer window will be important this year.