What else do we need to intensify the excitement in this already exciting campaign of Champions League football? We need a group of fixtures like the last 8 draw has just provided us with!
Once again, the stage has been set for a memorable round of match-ups. Not just memorable, but literally fantastic. Live Soccer TV explains why this set of fixtures will provide plenty of excitement and thrills.
While everybody was hoping for gigantic matches like Manchester United Vs Real Madrid or Barcelona Vs Real Madrid, this set of draws has provided the basement to a near-perfect round of football matches.
Real Madrid have progressed to the quarter finals for the first time in seven years under Jose Mourinho. The 'Special One' stated his hopes of not being drawn against any of his former teams and his hopes were certainly granted. Madrid fans would be satisfied with being drawn with a Champions League debutants. However, Spurs have already beaten Inter Milan and AC Milan this season and on their day, they could beat almost anyone.
Barcelona against Shakhtar Donetsk is another interesting one. While everybody were hoping for a Manchester United Vs Barcelona clash or even an El Classico tie, the silky Catalans have been drawn against a very tricky Ukrainian side. Both clubs met each other in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2009 where Shakhtar proved to be more than just an underdog as they held on Barcelona until losing narrowly in extra time
Shakhtar have been magnificent in Europe this season- topping their group which included Arsenal and thumping AS Roma in the round of 16 clash with an aggregate score of 6-2. Shahktar play a very efficient brand of football with a semi-Brazilian team, they are absolutely lethal in attacks. Therefore, this draw could be of two extremes. It's either Shakhtar find out that Barcelona are nothing like AS Roma or it could be a case of an Ukrainian upset.
Manchester United Vs Chelsea is just the perfect clash. Manchester United vs Real Madrid or Chelsea against Barcelona would have been great but based on the current circumstances, this match-up is simply the right one.
Chelsea haven't been impressive this season and despite Ancelotti insisting that his side are back in business after a slump of form, their 2-0 aggregate victory over FC Copenhagen was definitely not convincing enough. An exit for Chelsea could see Carlo Ancelotti being shown the exit door as well.
Meanwhile the Red Devils have not been lethal but they have importantly been consistent with their performances. They also possess one of the strongest defensive record in Europe this season- conceding only two goals in eight European nights this season. But again, injury concerns could affect United's chances as well.
While Inter Milan Vs Schalke is a clash between two teams with different aims and aspirations. Schalke have had a disappointing season so far although their form in Europe is something they can be proud of.
Inter Milan did find it hard to see of Bayern Munich in the last round and they will be too smart to underestimate another German side this time around. A great match can be anticipated with this one and only the team with the best tactics will prevail as winners.
With all these interesting match-ups making the quarter finals and interesting one, the possible matches for the semi finals is literally mind blowing!
If Real Madrid overcome Spurs and Barcelona see off Shakhtar, we can have an El Classico semi final! But making it even more fantastic is the fact that if both teams face off each other in the semis, there will be four El Classico's in the space of just two and a half weeks.
16th April = Spanish La Liga
20th April = Copa Del Rey
27th April = Champions League Semi Final 1st leg
2nd May = Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg
If that isn't mind blowing enough, there is also a possibility for a repeat of the 2009 Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United. Or there could even be an all England final if Spurs progress all the way into the final.
Whatever it is, we are definitely in for a great round of entertainment with some magnificent football being guaranteed. Will Van Der Vaart return to haunt back his former club? Or will Wayne Rooney lead United into the semi finals? Perhaps Huntelaar could cause an upset in Milan?
The possibilities are endless. Follow up with Live Soccer TV as we bring you all the important news and updates regarding the UEFA Champions League Quarter finals.
While everybody was hoping for gigantic matches like Manchester United Vs Real Madrid or Barcelona Vs Real Madrid, this set of draws has provided the basement to a near-perfect round of football matches.
Real Madrid have progressed to the quarter finals for the first time in seven years under Jose Mourinho. The 'Special One' stated his hopes of not being drawn against any of his former teams and his hopes were certainly granted. Madrid fans would be satisfied with being drawn with a Champions League debutants. However, Spurs have already beaten Inter Milan and AC Milan this season and on their day, they could beat almost anyone.
Barcelona against Shakhtar Donetsk is another interesting one. While everybody were hoping for a Manchester United Vs Barcelona clash or even an El Classico tie, the silky Catalans have been drawn against a very tricky Ukrainian side. Both clubs met each other in the UEFA Super Cup back in 2009 where Shakhtar proved to be more than just an underdog as they held on Barcelona until losing narrowly in extra time
Shakhtar have been magnificent in Europe this season- topping their group which included Arsenal and thumping AS Roma in the round of 16 clash with an aggregate score of 6-2. Shahktar play a very efficient brand of football with a semi-Brazilian team, they are absolutely lethal in attacks. Therefore, this draw could be of two extremes. It's either Shakhtar find out that Barcelona are nothing like AS Roma or it could be a case of an Ukrainian upset.
Manchester United Vs Chelsea is just the perfect clash. Manchester United vs Real Madrid or Chelsea against Barcelona would have been great but based on the current circumstances, this match-up is simply the right one.
Chelsea haven't been impressive this season and despite Ancelotti insisting that his side are back in business after a slump of form, their 2-0 aggregate victory over FC Copenhagen was definitely not convincing enough. An exit for Chelsea could see Carlo Ancelotti being shown the exit door as well.
Meanwhile the Red Devils have not been lethal but they have importantly been consistent with their performances. They also possess one of the strongest defensive record in Europe this season- conceding only two goals in eight European nights this season. But again, injury concerns could affect United's chances as well.
While Inter Milan Vs Schalke is a clash between two teams with different aims and aspirations. Schalke have had a disappointing season so far although their form in Europe is something they can be proud of.
Inter Milan did find it hard to see of Bayern Munich in the last round and they will be too smart to underestimate another German side this time around. A great match can be anticipated with this one and only the team with the best tactics will prevail as winners.
With all these interesting match-ups making the quarter finals and interesting one, the possible matches for the semi finals is literally mind blowing!
If Real Madrid overcome Spurs and Barcelona see off Shakhtar, we can have an El Classico semi final! But making it even more fantastic is the fact that if both teams face off each other in the semis, there will be four El Classico's in the space of just two and a half weeks.
16th April = Spanish La Liga
20th April = Copa Del Rey
27th April = Champions League Semi Final 1st leg
2nd May = Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg
If that isn't mind blowing enough, there is also a possibility for a repeat of the 2009 Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United. Or there could even be an all England final if Spurs progress all the way into the final.
Whatever it is, we are definitely in for a great round of entertainment with some magnificent football being guaranteed. Will Van Der Vaart return to haunt back his former club? Or will Wayne Rooney lead United into the semi finals? Perhaps Huntelaar could cause an upset in Milan?
The possibilities are endless. Follow up with Live Soccer TV as we bring you all the important news and updates regarding the UEFA Champions League Quarter finals.
