Here Come the Champions – Part Two

By Brian Lofrumento | 9th March 2009

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eboue-mexes-cl Having already previewed and predicted Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures, let’s explore Wednesday’s fixture list. In this bracket, the pick of the bunch is arguably English champions Manchester United facing off against Serie A champions Inter Milan. The other match that is exciting neutrals is the Camp Nou leg of the Barcelona vs. Lyon fixture, which could be the surprise of the round. Without further adieu…

FC Porto v Atletico Madrid

First leg: Atletico Madrid 2-2 FC Porto

Following the first leg draw, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that FC Porto would progress. Two away goals will go a long way, and certainly gives Porto the edge going into the second leg. Atletico, however, are full of outstanding players, and their recent derby draw against Real Madrid will instill confidence amongst the troops. Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan are two of the most dangers strikers in the competition, and both are capable of putting Porto to the sword on Wednesday.

Prediction: As big of an advantage as the two away goals are, I think Porto will still fall at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

AS Roma v Arsenal

First leg: Arsenal 1-0 AS Roma

One of the most intriguing second legs in the round of sixteen, Arsenal fans are praying that Wenger and co. can escape Rome with at least a draw. Manager Luciano Spalleti, meanwhile, will want to progress to the quarterfinals to prove to Europe that Roma can do something on a continental stage (yes, we all still remember that night in Manchester). Daniele De Rossi is certainly the player to watch in this game, and his midfield work rate should give Roma a decent chance. The one goal deficit will be difficult to overcome, but the home crowd will help along the way.

Prediction: Much to the chagrin of Arsenal fans, I see Roma coming out of this alive. Roma will go through.

Barcelona v Lyon

First leg: Lyon 1-1 Barcelona

Both of these clubs are giants in their respective countries, and both play beautiful attacking football. Had Barcelona not picked up an away goal in France, I’d say Lyon has a good chance at snagging a draw in Spain. Now, unless it’s 0-0, a draw won’t be enough for Lyon. With that said, Lyon will need to attack, and attack they will. If Karim Benzema can finish the few chances that he gets then Lyon will be in good shape, but in the end Barcelona’s all star squad should shine through.

Prediction: Barcelona will have too much firepower, and will catch Lyon on the break. Barca goes through.

Manchester United v Inter Milan

First leg: Inter Milan 0-0 Manchester United

By far the most exciting fixture in this round, the champions of England and Italy square off at the Theater of Dreams. A 0-0 result at the San Siro in the first leg is dangerous for both sides, as it has its advantages for both Ferguson and Mourinho. A score draw in Manchester will put Inter through, so United need to win – meaning they must score. If Mourinho can get his squad to defend with typical Italian excellence then they should progress, but few teams have contained United in 2009. It’ll be a nail-biter for both sides, and a pleasure to watch for neutrals.

Prediction: United will edge it. It’ll either be an extremely tight and dull affair or an outstanding United performance that demoralizes another Italian side.

Those are my thoughts, now we just need to wait for the matches to roll around! Happy footballing!

Listen to Brian and Taylor discuss the Champions League matches and other topics on Episode 12 of the Premiership Talk Podcast.

Andy says:

March 11, 2009 at 1:58 pm

Yeh i don’t think you got the Roma – Arsenal prediction at all right. Arsenal will come through that easy, Roma aren’t a good side.

Come on Inter!

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Zain Alvi says:

March 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm

I wish you would use your Champions League experience to analyze this…if Arsenal scores ONCE at the Olimpico, they will need to score THRICE! Now we may not have been the best side in the world off late, but if you have seen all of our recent games, you would know that it’s almost impossible to put three past us…simple as that!

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