With the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 completed, eight teams have advanced to the quarterfinals while eight other teams have been sent packing and it’s worth noting that ALL the teams that topped their respective groups are currently in the last eight, which goes to say that earning a quarterfinal berth is half secured when you top your group because you’d a ‘favorable’ draw. Note to Arsenal.
However, with the draws for the Quarterfinals coming up soon, Gooner Daily has decided to take a tentacle from Paul the Octopus to make a couple of predictions ahead of the next phase of Europe’s elite football competition.
Two Teams from the Same Nationality Would Lock Horns
The quarterfinals would see two teams representing England, two representing Germany, three from Spain and one from France. Gooner Daily believes that UEFA, in their infinite wisdom, would pair two clubs from the same nation together.
Go get ready to expect a Manchester United vs. Chelsea clash, an El Clasico, Madrid Derby or Atletico vs. Barcelona or maybe, a repeat of last season’s final between Bayern and Dortmund.
The Ibrahimovic – C. Ronaldo – Diego Costa Golazo Fest Would Continue
Irrespective of who Paris St. Germain, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid is going to play, expect another bout of goalscoring display from three of the finest forwards in this season’s competition, the mercurial Swede, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Brazilian-turned-Spanish sensation, Diego Costa and the world’s best footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
I would be scared if I’m coming up against any of these forwards.
Atletico Madrid Would Cruise to the Semifinals
This season’s dark horses have been Diego Simeone’s Atletico. Their efforts in the group stages probably went unnoticed as they easily topped the group that had Zenit St. Petersburg, FC Porto and Austria Vienna. When they took a slender 1-0 lead at San Siro in the first knockout round, the football world was stunned to how they decimated their illustrious Milan opponents in the second leg.
With Atletico in the quarterfinals, many so-called ‘big teams’ would be licking their lips at the prospect of getting a draw against them. They are in for a surprise because Gooner Daily strongly believes that this side would cruise to the semis.
A ‘Big’ Team Would be Dumped Out
The Champions League, like every other football competition, has its own twists and turns. I expect the quarterfinals to spring up a big surprise for neutral football lovers, so I expect a big team, that is expected to go as far as winning the competition, to be dumped out acrimoniously.
Teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the forerunners to go all the way to the final. Call me a prophet of doom if you must, but Gooner Daily believes that one of these so-called big sides would be heading towards the exit door, sooner rather than later.
End of the Line for Manchester United
David Moyes and his Manchester United side have been all about breaking records this season and his side was the only team that managed to win their group and suffer a defeat in their first leg encounter.
However, the former Gunner with the little boy inside him inspired his team with a scintillating hat-trick, only to suffer an injury late in the game.
Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Olympiakos may have guaranteed them a place in the last eight but judging from their shambolic performances this season and the quality of opposition at this stage of the competition, Gooner Daily believes that it’s the end of the line for the Old Trafford-based outfit.
Do you agree with these predictions? Feel free to share yours with your comments.
Sayonara
