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Champions League is definitely the most watched sporting event in the world and when the event reaches its knockout stage, the anticipation and passion multiplies. The draw for the Round of 16 was made quite in advance, and since then there was only one thing left to do – wait!
So with the first leg for some teams remaining and the second leg yet to commence, what will be the situation in Europe when we reach the Quarter finals stage? Here are some predictions well in advance which are likely to happen over the next month.
Celtic v Juventus
The first leg finished at 0-3 in favour of the Italian giants. They tormented Celtic in every way possible and when you win with a margin of 3 away goals, there is nothing the opposition can do at your territory. Come this March, Celtic will just play for pride. Juventus on the other hand, can simply dictate terms and practice and hope to prepare for the Quarter Finals. Juventus will go into the next round with the aggregate score having a difference of atleast four goals.
Winners: Juventus
Valencia v PSG
The best side from France visited Estadio de Mestalla with full aplomb and resolution. PSG’s biggest star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was shown the red card, but Carlos Ancelotti’s men showed no fear. They scored 2 against one of the best teams from Spain in front of their spectators and now are the favourites to go through. I would say that Valencia still pose a potential threat to PSG. The away goals advantage would assist PSG and allow them to play free flowing football. But Ancelotti must not take this advantage for granted. The second leg would be pulsating and Valencia will go all-out. However, I feel PSG will cement its place in the Quarter Finals with a very close aggregate scoreline.
Winners: PSG
Shaktar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund
The Ukrainian side were leading 2-1 at Donbass Arena until Hummels scored the equalizing goal in the 87th minute to give Borussia Dortmund a huge advantage. We all know how tenacious Shakhtar are at their home, with magical displays against Chelsea and Juventus in the group stages testament to that. We also know about the superiority of Dortmund in their home, even the great Real Madrid had to bow down to them in Germany. Having won half the battle in Ukraine, Jurgen Klopp and his troops will have no difficulties in obliterating Shakhtar and showing them the door.
Winners: Borussia Dortmund
Manchester United v Real Madrid
The blockbuster fixture which had every thing, right from controversial moments to breathtaking goals, incredible saves and great scoreline, has its second leg in March. The biggest achievement for Sir Alex and his men was to not lose the first battle in this pulsating war. They managed to take an away goal with them. The probable result may be 1-1 again and we might go to penalties, where the Spanish side is really terrible. However, I see United winning the second leg 2-1 and marching into the Quarters. Real Madrid have been pathetic this season when they pay a visit to top sides. They failed to beat City and couldn’t dictate terms in Germany against Dortmund. Ajax was the only destination where they won big. United are in great form and their home record is sensational. They have the talent to overcome the deficit and turn the tables and this season, the squad is as strong as anyone in Europe. The second leg will be close and the verdict is that Jose Mourinho will have to wait for one more year!
Winners: Manchester United
Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Now I come to a clash which is right there at the top among the great battles to be fought in Europe. However, going by recent form, this clash is David vs Goliath! Bayern Munich are one of the finest teams and undoubtedly the best in Germany. Arsenal in its current form is nowhere near the top four in England. So what are the chances for the Gooners? Almost zero. Arsenal can prove a lot of things by beating the Germans, but the task is easier said than done. Bayern Munich need to replicate the job done by fellow Germans Schalke during the group stages, who went on to beat them at the Emirates. We all know what would happen to the Gunners if they falter in London. It seems Arsenal would fail to dominate not only in Allianz Arena but also at the Emirates. You can hope for a draw in the first leg, but be sure that Arsenal will be decimated in Germany.
Winners: Bayern Munich
Didn’t you see this last year? Didn’t you predict the outcome well in advance? I am sure you were right last time and I can bank upon you again. The loyal Milan supporters can raise their flags high in the sky at San Siro and may eventually get a draw. But the second leg at Camp Nou would haunt them just like last year and it would be a magical Messi show. Barcelona are one of the favorites to win this competition, and as far as AC Milan is considered, the Catalans just need to treat this game as an ordinary one and keep their natural game going. I see this fixture as a good practice for Barcelona because they will face some really strong teams in the next rounds. If Tito Vilanova wants to lift his first European cup, they must decimate Milan and announce their arrival.
Winners: Barcelona
Porto v Malaga
The only fixture which can be called a “50-50″ and needs greater attention. It involves one of the rising teams from Spain and the best from Portugal and we all know the history of FC Porto in Champions League. The former Champions have a tough task ahead of them. Malaga might come out strong in Spain and win with a decent looking scoreline. The problem for them is lack of exposure. They haven’t seen the world yet but possess real talent, displayed during group stages. Predictions are made after comparing recent form and players’ progress. But there is one factor which decides the final verdict when you cannot separate two sides based on analysis. That factor is sixth sense. This year belongs to Spain in Europe and Malaga is one side who will atleast have an opportunity to feature in the best eight this season.
Winners: Malaga
Galatasaray v Schalke 04
The Turkish Champions, known for their lethal fan support in Turkey, have absolutely no chance of making it to the next round. Schalke is a real strong side who has the potential to beat the finest teams in Europe. Schalke will find problems in the first half of the highly contested game in Turkey, but will manage to see off Galatasaray in both legs. This fixture holds no importance because both the teams would just make up numbers. If Galatasaray are going out early, you can be sure that Schalke’s dream run will end in the Quarter Finals. However, as far as this contest is concerned, you can rely on the Germans to produce two wonderful matches and come out victorious in both of them.
Winners: Schalke 04
Quarter Final List: Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, PSG and Malaga.
