As we enter the business end of the football season across Europe’s leagues we also start to narrow down the field in that most hallowed of competitions the Champions League.
The draw for the quarter finals was made this morning (without an English team involved, of course) and there are some very interesting match-ups.
PSG vs Barcelona is one that catches the eye because of the star studded teams both clubs have and the numerous storylines involved. It will be billed as Messi vs Beckham, two of world football’s most recognisable names but there is also Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to the Nou Camp to be observed which will make for intriguing viewing.
Zlatan didn’t have the best of times in Spain and clashed with then Barca coach Josep Guardiola, will he be able to keep his volatile tendencies in check?
Real Madrid face the surprise package of this year’s competition in Galatasaray but you expect Jose Mourinho’s men to advance to the semi-finals, even if Didier Drogba is able to spring a surprise or two on his old manager.
Two of the most technical football teams in Malaga and Borussia Dortmund are pitted against each other and whilst Malaga are considered dark horses by many you feel that the Germans have just that extra bit of quality that will see them through.
The highlight of the quarter finals, for me at least, is the clash between two of Europe’s biggest heavyweights; Bayern Munich and Juventus. Two superb teams with rich history in the Champions League who are both in brilliant form and top of the table in their respective leagues.
This is the one to watch as there is quality all over the pitch from both teams and the truth is that this is what the Champions League is all about; you want to see the big boys go head to head and battle it out. Survival of the fittest and all that.
I have been singing Juventus’s praises for a long time now and although Bayern Munich have been absolutely brilliant so far this season I am picking the Italians to progress through to the semi-finals.
Whatever happens, though, all the ties will provide compelling match ups and proof again why this is world football’s elite competition.