UEFA Champions League Thoughts/Predictions

Villarreal – Arsenal (1:1)

The draw certainly helps Arsenal, and is probably a result they’ll be happy with. This was a decent game and I enjoyed watching it. I like Arsenal’s style. Their aggressive attack makes them one of my personal favorites. I think they had a good draw, as Villarreal is a good opponent, judging by the first leg. I say they advance easily after the second leg.

Manchester United – Porto (2:2)

You talk about a surprise! I’m sure very few people expected a draw here, and if you were brave to predict the X and not the 1 here, there’s no way in hell your score guess would have been 2:2. Porto took it to Manchester early, focused on counter-attacks and tried their hardest to break down Manchester’s game. It didn’t work. United had their way for the most part, were always attacking, and played better. However, they were missing the finishing factor. There were a few good ideas, but no final result. With Berbatov back in leg 2, things are looking up. Sir Alex also knows how to prep his boys when it comes to a tough match, and make no mistake about it — the game in Portugal isn’t going to be easy. I still say Man-U advances.

Liverpool – Chelsea (1:3)

Speaking of surprises, how about this one?! Liverpool had been on top of the world, with some amazing results heading into this huge match, but Chelsea killed all their momentum. The home-away factor doesn’t play as big a role here since both teams are from England and have faced each other hundreds of times on both fields. Liverpool needs a huge win over a top team, and most would say that’s hard to accomplish. However, that’s exactly what Rafa’s boys had been doing before the match with Chelsea. Not to mention their comeback wonder against AC Milan in the final a few years back! I think this is the most interesting rematch of all, but I just can’t see Chelsea allowing three goals on their home field. I’m going with Chelsea.

Barcelona – Bayern (4:0)

I didn’t see this coming after Bayern’s goal fiasco in the previous round. Barcelona seems to be on a mission with Leo Messi, Eto’o, and company looking great, but how long can the Spaniards hang? I think if anyone stands a chance against the four English teams, it’s Barca!