The Suarez handball against Mansfield has polarised pundits, and as the forward isn’t exactly the most loved player away from Merseyside it has proven a rather easy stick to beat him with. Here’s a clip of it, but surely the Suarez handball wasn’t as bad as these?
Both title winners have had shaky starts to their seasons, with Real lying in ninth place in La Liga after 3 games, having only mustered one win. Both teams have also had leaky defences, and so far failed to keep a clean sheet at the time of writing. Oddslife expects goals in this heavyweight match up!
Their success in Munich bought them a ticket back into the competition, and they will be the team everyone in Europe will want to beat as holders. So how can Chelsea not only replicate their form in Europe, but also improve on their poor league form next year. Here are some of the main issues.
The UEFA Champions’ League final will this year be held in the Allianz arena, Munich – the home of German giants and champions league finalists Bayern Munich. Bayern will be up against Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea side who many people see as ‘underdogs’ in this final.
Bayern Munich travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night with a slender 2-1 advantage over Real Madrid. Mario Gomez’s last gasp winner could prove to be the crucial moment in this finely balanced tie as Munich know that a draw will be enough to see them through to the final once more.
All eyes will be on the Nou Camp come Tuesday night, as Roberto Di Matteo’s Blues await another Barcelona onslaught. Much has been made of the first leg at Stamford Bridge, as a Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea conquered Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka conquistadors through a display of sheer grit and determination.
Having taking apart Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham 5-1 in their last game and as a side currently on a 7 match unbeaten run, chances are Chelsea would be the bookies favourites to progress tomorrow night. That however is not the case as they face the might of Barcelona, a team that have scored a staggering 96 in 33 league games whilst conceding just 24.
The incentive for the German outfit couldn’t be greater – A return to their home ground for a probable meeting with Messi and Co. Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes led Los Blancos to European glory 14 years ago, but will be hoping to scupper Mourinho’s dream bid for treble Champions League success. Porto in 2004, Inter in 2010, Real in 2012…?
After Barcelona and Bayern Munich safely secured their semi-final spots last night it’s the turn of Chelsea and Real Madrid to seal their berths in the last four. Chelsea take a one goal lead into the Bridge after a superb 1-0 in Benfica last week, while Real Madrid beat Apoel 3-0 in their first leg match in Cyprus.
The Champions League continues on Tuesday, with the main protagonists having little time to draw breath following last week’s action. The first tie I’m going to look at is perhaps the most intriguing of the week, as reigning champions Barcelona will once again hope to break down a stout Milan rearguard.
After Chelsea and Real Madrid claimed first leg away wins on Tuesday night, it’s the turn of holders Barcelona and Bavarians Bayern Munich to resume their campaigns. Barca face a huge challenge as they travel to the San Siro to play AC Milan while Bayern travel to Inter’s conquerors Marseille.
Europe’s elite competition is back in full swing this week, with the first two quarter finals taking place on Tuesday night. First off, Britain’s sole remaining Champions League representatives travel to Lisbon on Tuesday night hoping to put one foot firmly in the semi finals. The Blues’ heroics against Napoli less than a fortnight ago have earned them what many see as a favourable draw against Benfica, having avoided Spain’s El Clasico rivals as well as seven-time winners AC Milan and 2010 finalists Bayern Munich.
Chelsea face Napoli on Wednesday night knowing that victory by two clear goals could see them make unlikely progress to the last eight. The Stamford Bridge outfit are now England’s sole representative in Europe’s premier competition, and they face an uphill battle having been defeated 3-1 in Naples.
FC Basle are the only Swiss team to have ever directly qualified for the Champions League groups stages, and they have a great opportunity of making more history by knocking out four-time cup winners Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Bayer Leverkusen face the daunting task of travelling to the Nou Camp on Wednesday as they strive to keep their dwindling Champions League aspirations alive. The men from the banks of the Rhine suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Blaugrana last month and have it all to do if they are to overturn that two goal deficit.
It’s the second week of the Champions League round of 16 matches and there are some managers who could really do with a win. Namely, Andre Villas-Boas and Chelsea. His side are in crisis mode having failed to win in four league games and been taken to an FA Cup replay by Birmingham City. To say Villas-Boas needs a win is an understatement and a trip to Napoli is hardly the easiest place to get it. With the likes of Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and new Chilean star Eduardo Vargas, the hosts have plenty of firepower to test a Chelsea defence that has been less than impressive this season.
The 2nd coming of King Henry has been a dream across media circles. But will the iconic Frenchman engineer a fitting farewell in Italy, to add to his dream debut at the Emirates? His adoring fan following will be desperate to catch a final glimpse of va va voom, before he bids au revoir and returns to New York after the tie.
It’s round-of-sixteen time in the Champions League and eight teams are in action this week as the battle to reach Munich intensifies.
