Each fixture definitely has its unique type of intensity, and none of the sides present in the imminent stage can be underestimated. Understanding that only two stages will be left after the Last 8, all remaining participants will be preparing surprises and fighting with all they have left—all in an attempt to reach the same goal: going as far as possible in the tournament and ending up gloriously.
Now that the Quarterfinal’s fixtures have been revealed, fans might already be forming wishes upon the identity of their beloved team’s opponent in the semi-finals. However, it is apparently better to concentrate on the task lying just ahead, rather than trying to visualize what should belong to the farther dashes of the future. Below, we look at the consequences of the Champions League draw that just ended, as we briefly analyze each clash.
Real Madrid vs Tottenham: A Bit Of Experience Against An English Side
The last time Real Madrid played against an English club in the Champions League, the result was not very pretty, with Los Blancos humiliating themselves 5-0 on aggregate against Liverpool—only to crush out of the Round of 16. La Liga contenders face Tottenham Hotspur this season in the quarterfinals, and luckily, they have one man who could give them useful tricks against the Londoners: Jose Mourinho.
The current Madrid coach managed the Chelsea football club for three years, and his attainments in the Premier League were not minor. Mourinho has come up against Spurs quite a number of times in his career, and knowing what they are capable of this season, it is not likely that he will allow his team to suffer the same fatality AC Milan suffered in the Last 16 against Harry Redknapp’s army.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Deadly Rivals, A Reminder Of The 2008 Champions League Final
It is useless to remind how strong the rivalry between Chelsea and Manchester United is. The two English giants have a long history, and when it comes to challenging each other, there is never a sign of concord. More or less coincidentally, both clubs have been forced to fight each other on another occasion—this time, in a reminder of the 2008 Champions League final.
Surely, there have been major changes to both squads since the unforgettable night in Moscow almost three years ago, but that does not necessarily mean that the clash will be less brutal. Already, the last meeting between both titans ended on a vicious note, as controversy again took its place in the match. This time around, with only two chances to climb higher to the biggest stage in the European club football, the referee’s decisions—whether accurate or divisive—will not have to emerge as excuses for either side. Chelsea and Manchester United will both share the same target: Hammering the enemy and advancing to the semis.
Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Unfinished Business, Reminder Of The 2009 UEFA Super Cup
Scorning Shakhtar Donetsk is undoubtedly one of the less intelligent things a Barca fan could do at this point. The Ukrainians were winners of the 2009 UEFA Europa League, and they proved to be powerful opponents against FC Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, as they pushed the encounter all the way to extra time—before narrowly losing by a goal to nil.
Next, Shakhtar will be aiming for a revenge that would stun the defending Spanish League champions, and fortunately for them, they will be having two chances to damage Barcelona in their two-legged encounter. Nevertheless, making use of both opportunities will the Kroty’s foremost priority as failure to be effective could turn them into defenceless underdogs.
Inter Milan vs Schalke: The German’s Occasion To Get Renewed
Schalke have not been enjoying the best of seasons. Sitting in the Bundesliga table’s 10th position, they certainly have reasons to have their minds set on the UEFA Champions League; a competition in which they still have a lot of options. Now, they face Inter Milan in the quarterfinals; but although they have not performed at their best in recent months, they still have good chances of surviving against the title holders.
Should they battle their Italian opponents at full force and succeed, then they could obtain a windfall that could drive them all the way to the top. Mentality is mainly what football is all about after all, and probably, the shocking powers of sudden momentum are not unknown. It will be a delicate matter for both Inter and Schalke, but in the end, only one thing will be of importance: the result on aggregate.
