- They never played internationally, though of course they meet twice a year or more in the Spanish leagues and cups. Atletico has not beaten Barcelona since 2010, and this is the first time in over 10 years that its Liga standings are better than or comparable to those of Barca.
REAL MADRID – BORUSSIA DORTMUND
- Last year this was an amazing semifinal, with Borussia's shocking 4-1 home win and Real's failed 2-0 remuntada in Madrid a week later. The two have played 8 times in the Champions League since 1998, with 2 wins for the Germans, 3 wins for the Spaniards, and 3 draws. This year I think Real are favorite, mostly because of Borussia's weaker squad, but it will still be great. Also, this year the first leg is played in Madrid.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – CHELSEA
- By far the most appetizing match-up. For all intents and purposes it is a first: they played twice in the 2004-2005 group stage, with a goalless draw in London and a 0-3 Chelsea win in Paris. But PSG was not a powerhouse, and now it is, and both teams consistently produce some of the most reliable play in Europe. I also greatly look forward to seeing Blanc vs. Mourinho, another new match-up. I think Chelsea go in as favorites, but they *are* my team so I may be biased.
MANCHESTER UNITED – BAYERN MUNICH
- If all goes as planned, this will be a lopsided win by the German. Long gone is the 1999 final, when the late goals by Sheringham and Solskjaer shocked Bayern and all of Europe. The two have played often since (last in 2010), mostly with Munich success, but the memory of that night in Barcelona 15 years ago provides this game with its mouth-watering premise.
No comments:
Post a Comment