The Next Round is Set

UEFA drew the match-ups for the quarter final round of the Champions League yesterday. Like with any tournament, much to speculate and debate over. I wish these games were coming up sooner, but I am excited all the same. For the first time in a long time it feels like Inter got a workable draw. And there is some intrigue, two finals rematches. And, in a not-that-awesome-way, I kind of foresee a Manchester United vs Barcelona rematch in the final at the Bernabeu. Here are some initial thoughts on the quarters, although my opinions will like change as kick-offs approach:


Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
It is hard for me not to see United progress to the semifinals from these two. On their day Bayern are a good team and probably deserve to be among the last eight standing but United's efficiency and pedigree in recent years make them a big favorite. The fragility of Robben and to a lesser extent Ribery, players that will be key to unlocking the United defense, is a big hindrance for Bayern. As of now I can see a draw in Bavaria and a United win at Old Trafford. As a replay of the classic 1999 Champions League final at the Nou Camp prepare to be assaulted by a never ending parade of stories about that magical night.


Lyon vs Bordeaux
The French Quarter. Yes I came up with that myself. No I do not see it getting old no matter how many times I use it in the coming weeks. Am I shocked that after half a decade with a French team in the last four of Europe this pairing assures a Ligue 1 team will go at least as fair as the semifinals? I dunno, ask Platini, he probably knows better. Snark aside these two teams are hardworking and well disciplined. They may lack the name recognition of some Serie A, La Liga, and Premiership teams that went out in the last round but they are not out of place at this stage of the competition. As far as predicting who will advance, I do not know enough about these sides to really give a good opinion. I will say this: Lyon's epic triumph over Real Madrid was achieved in large part by using Madrid against itself. Setting up in a tight and coordinated formation and allowing the "we are Real Madrid we can do anything" exuberance result in turn-overs and unimaginative forays forward that were easily picked off. I know it has become the ultimate cliche in sports but Lyon really were masterful in allowing the Real Madrid players and officials arrogant public statements become an albatross around the Merengues necks in the second leg. If it is true that Lisandro Lopez told Sergio Ramos "if you are going to score 5 on us you better get going, the game is almost over," in the final minutes at the Bernabeu that is some of the best on pitch dialogue in a long time.

That said I see Bordeaux just a little (not sarcastic) better suited to take the initiative themselves. And they are not the kind of hubris laden side that will permit itself to be judo'd out so easily by Lyon. So I would probably take them as of now.

These sides know each other extremely well and that may add a wild card factor too.


Barcelona vs Arsenal
There may not be two more similar teams among Europe's elite than Barcelona and Arsenal. Clearly Barcelona are the deluxe version but the supreme level of skill and quickness with which both squads play the ball around the pitch will make this a delightful two legs of football for a neutral. The last time they met in this competition was on the eve of the previous World Cup and Barcelona won the title in that final. I am nearly certain they will win this one as well. I can not stress how similar these teams are and that Barcelona are just better at it than Arsenal. What I think we will see is an illustration of exactly why. And two things come to mind: 1, Barcelona pressure like madmen the second they lose the ball and more often than not are able to make their opponent hurry and unload the ball which results in an easy recovery. Arsenal by contrast seem to go stretches without the ball when up against elite competition. 2, Barcelona's impressive sense for when to make the kill pass that puts a man through on goal. At that highest of high levels it is sometimes tempting to think the final pass is just one more touch, but guys like Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi have an innate sense of when, where, and how that Nasri, Eboue, and others sometimes lack.


Internazionale vs CSKA Moscow
I will readily admit that I am shocked to see the Russians still in the tournament, and given their upset win in Andalucia I can not discount them. Still, Inter are a superior and deeper team who progressed out of the last round in more impressive fashion and should advance to the semis. When they travel to Moscow I expect a very cautious, very Italian performance likely ending in a nil draw. At the San Siro I am nearly certain of an Inter victory. The CSKA backline did a good job handling Sevilla's sometimes dangerous attack but as a unit they look somewhat slow. Milito and Eto'o will count on support from the midfield and the marauding Maicon down the right flank to pull holes in the CSKA defense. Not as straight forward as the Serie A champion against a Russian club would have sounded 5 or 8 years ago, but I do see Inter in the next round.