Who will emerge victorious in the Champions League last 16?
With the last 16 teams from the group stages of the Champions League drawn last month, the anticipation is as high as ever. Read on to see what we thought of last year’s final and our predictions for the quarter-final. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Last year’s final saw a Madrid derby fought out between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The dark horses Atlético Madrid lit up the tournament exceeding expectations with impressive displays en route to the final. However, they were up against the Champions League’s most successful team in Real Madrid chasing the coveted ‘ La Decima’. With Atlético winning 1–0 Sergio Ramos’ towering header in the 90th minute sent the match into extra time. Real Madrid ran riot and scored three goals to win 4–1 to claim their 10th European Cup. In football the margins for error are minute, the winners secure their places in football history and the runners up forgotten the next day — that is the beauty of the game.
So, what did we think of the draw?
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn with a formidable Chelsea side for the second successive campaign and are out for revenge. Under Mourinho and with the acquisitions of Fabregas and Diego Costa Chelsea are favourites to progress.
Another repeat from last year, Manchester City are unlucky to come up against one of the favourites in Barcelona so early in the competition. Last year’s finalists Atlético Madrid face Bayer Leverkusen and a loss for Atlético would be an upset.
Reigning champions Real Madrid play Shalke 04 and should win comfortably. Likewise, Bayern Munich should qualify with ease against Shakhtar Donetsk - however an away match at the Donbass Arena in Ukraine is always a tricky encounter.
Having finished second in the group Arsenal would fancy their chances against Monaco. Juventus versus Borussia Dortmund and Basle against Porto seem to be the most evenly poised ties of the qualifiers. It is a toss up between Basle and Porto but Porto should have enough quality to progress. The Dortmund verus Juventus match is a close call. With arguably the most vocal fans in Europe the second leg being held in Germany might just see Dortmund progress.
The road to the final is unpredictable and a combination of luck , form, and confidence will be key to progression into the 1/4 finals. Join us for an experience of a lifetime in Berlin, Germany on June, 6th, 2015.
