The Champions League Draw came out today, and a number of old rivalries are being rekindled.Manchester United v. Inter Milan- Inter had the fewest number of points of any qualifier, while Man U didn't lose a single match in the group stage. United will be home for the second leg, and Ferguson will want revenge for FC Porto's come from behind victory at Old Trafford in 2004, when Mourinho led them to the Champions League title. Mourinho is great at cup play, and if his side can keep a low scoreline in the first leg, they'll have a good chance. United are probably tournament favorites right now, and look to be in a much better position to repeat than in '99.
Juventus v. Chelsea- Another great rivalry, with Claudio Rainieri taking on his former team. Chelsea have not looked convincing in the Champions League, and given their home form will be happy to be away in the second leg. A lot will depend on injuries and new signings, and it's likely Chelsea will add another offensive threat in January. If Drogba is fully fit, Juventus' defense will be no match for the Chelsea attack.
Liverpool v. Real Madrid- Rafa Benitez has been linked with the Real job, and it would be a big deal for the Spanish coach to been THE Spanish club. This is a matchup of two great cup coaches, with Juande Ramos a two-time winner of the UEFA Cup with Sevilla, while Rafa has been to two Champions League Finals with Liverpool. Real are likely to bring in a whole host of players during the January transfer window, and there are rumors that Keane and Pennant might leave Liverpool. It will be interesting to see what changes are made, but with Liverpool playing at home in the second leg, I would take King Rafa over the King's club.
Roma v. Arsenal- It's hard to know what you'll get out of Arsenal, but the same can be said of Roma. Eduardo is close to fit, and a lot will depend on what other Gunners are healthy. Wenger hasn't spent a lot of money, and it will be interesting to see if he is forced into a panic buy in January if the club are out of the top four in England. Roma has been making their way up the table, and their defeat of Chelsea and strong finish in Group A show that they are no pushover. Given that the Final will be played in Roma, they will have an added incentive to win.
Barcelona v. Lyon- Barcelona are the hottest club in Europe, while Lyon are consistently knocked out at this stage. It's hard to see anything changing, with Barcelona's depth too much for Lyon. If Lyon can keep the score line close, or win their first leg at home, the second match could be interesting. Barcelona can score, but when pushing forward for those goals they leave themselves exposed at the back. Barca will probably be bolstered by some January acquisitions, as they'll want to stay ahead of Real domestically.
Panathinaikos v. Villareal- A great draw for Villareal, as Panathinaikos have to be the weakest of the group winners. Villareal have looked great, and playing Man U to scorless draws in both their matches. They don't have the depth of some of the other clubs, but I think they should progress easily, and expect some goals.
Porto v. Atletico Madrid- This should be a very good matchup, and much will depend on whether the clubs do any selling in January. If both hold onto their players, the Madrilenos should be favorites to progress. Aguerro and Forlan have been a great scoring duo, and Atletico went through the group stages without a loss. Porto are always strong in the competition, but I think this is as far as they'll make it. If Lisandro Lopez can bang in some goals, the second leg in Portugal will be very interesting.
Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon- Sporting have also been linked with selling players, while Bayern have been linked with bringing some in. Bayern have not made a good run in the Champions League in a while, and will want to show that German football(soccer) still has a place in Europe. They will need the often injured Ribery to be healthy, but if he is and they can add or hold onto all their players in January then they should be fine.
