Champions League – Preview Second Round
On February 21 and 22, the remaining 16 teams in the Champions League will fight for a place in the coveted final to be held on May 17 in Paris. The second round matches have been decided, so here is a rundown of who remains in the competition and their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals:
Inter Milan v Ajax
Inter comfortably qualified from Group H as the winner and has a favorable game against Ajax. The Dutch team qualified as runner-up in Group A without too many problems. Inter are big favorites to qualify for the quarterfinals and striker Adriano, with four goals so far in the competition, is the main threat. City man.
Verdict: Inter to qualify at 2/5.
AC Milan vs Bayern Munich
Milan stuttered in the first round, with just three wins from six games, before finally topping the group ahead of PSV Eindoven. Andriy Shevchenko is the most dangerous striker in the tournament with six goals. However, Bayern Munich should not be underestimated. He dismissed Arsenal at this stage last season and was only beaten by a single goal against Chelsea in the quarter-final.
Verdict: AC Milan to qualify at 4/6.
Liverpool-Benfica
The Reds face the team that knocked Manchester United out of the Cup and are firm favorites to advance to the quarter-finals. Liverpool were unbeaten and had not conceded a goal in 11 League and Cup games until Sao Paulo denied them the Club World Cup on December 18. Benfica’s 2-1 win over Manchester United was a shock result, but one they are unlikely to replicate. Ronald Koeman’s side sit just sixth in their domestic league and he is likely to see his Champions League interest come to an end at this stage of the competition.
Verdict: Liverpool to qualify at 4/9.
Barcelona-Chelsea
This was the most “anticipated” draw in terms of a repeat of last season’s playoff matchup. Barcelona have won 13 straight games in La Liga, while Chelsea have led the Premiership since August, losing just one game, against Manchester United, all season. Barcelona have also been unstoppable in Europe, winning five of the six in the group. Despite the unquestionable talent at his disposal, José Mourinho may find his Chelsea team outclassed this time around.
Verdict: Barcelona is classified with 5/6.
Lyon vs PSV Eindoven
Lyon are a team not to be underestimated in this season’s Champions League and they won their group ahead of glamorous Real Madrid. John Carew is Lyon’s top scorer with four goals, while Juninho has provided three assists. PSV will have their sponsors, but Lyon were unbeaten in the group stage and should win this game.
Verdict: Lyon to qualify at 1/2.
Villarreal vs. Rangers
A surprise could be on the cards in this meeting with Rangers, a great price to qualify ahead of the Spanish Villarreal. Rangers boss under fire Alex McLeish may be ridiculously off-beat in the Scottish Premier, but he has done well in Europe and Rangers have become the first side north of the border to venture this far into the competition. . Villarreal scored just three times in six group stage games.
Verdict: Rangers to qualify at 5/2.
Real Madrid-Arsenal
This is the first time the two have met in the Champions League and bookmakers have a hard time separating them. The Gunners won their first five games in the group stage before an experimental line-up drew 0-0 with Ajax in the final round of games. Real Madrid have a lot of attacking power in their line-up, but they are suspicious at the back, which could be to Arsenal’s advantage.
Verdict: Arsenal will qualify on 10/11.
Juventus vs Werder Bremen
Juventus stormed through the group stage, winning five of six matches, with David Trezeguet scoring four goals. The “Old Lady” has already beaten and lost to German opposition in the competition this season, with two 2-1 results against giants Bayern Munich in the group stage. Werder Bremen are at their best at home, demonstrated in a 5-1 demolition of Panathinaikos and a 4-3 win over Udinese.
Verdict: Juventus will qualify on 4/11.