A few hours after the eight teams were picked for the Champions League we can see matches that will keep us on the edge of our seats. We have lucked out so far this year with some of the tight fixtures whether it was AC Milan versus Barcelona or Arsenal verses Bayern Munich. These two second legs of the round of 16 were intriguing. Milan held a 2-0 lead in aggregate against Barcelona going into the second meeting at Camp Nou. Lionel Messi showed the world why he is the best player in the sport today and possible of all time striking for two goals. This was followed up by goals from David Villa and Jordi Alba that pushed Barcelona to the next round over Milan.
Bayern Munich in the first leg traveled to London and beat Arsenal 3-1. The return fixture took place in Munich at the Allianz Arena. Arsene Wenger and the Gunners struck early in the game with an Olivier Giroud goal in the third minute. The game went back and forth with Bayern not capitalizing on their chances. In the eighty fifth minute Laurent Koscielny would make it 2-0 and Arsenal could see a little light at the end of the tunnel but time wouldnt be on their side. Though the aggregate score read 3-3, Bayern move on to the next round due to away goals.
Taking a look at the fixtures picked today all the games look to be close. La Liga team Malaga will tie up with the Bundesliga Champs Borussia Dortmund. Malaga have yet to give up a home goal in the Champions League this year. Dortmund on the other hand have their young guns Robert Lawandowski, Marco Reus, and Mario Gotze playing well. Sure to be a high energy clash in both of their meetings.
The next match places Real Madrid against Galatasaray. Madrid loaded with talent from Cristiano Ronaldo to Mesut Ozil to one of the top goalies in the game Iker Casillas will try and slow down the high pressure offense of the Turkish squad Galatasaray. With two great transfers Galatasaray score early and often. Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder have been solid for their team but the goal scorer is Burak Yilmaz. I expect alot of goals from these two teams.
The third match consists of probably the top team in the world Barcelona verse French giants Paris Saint Germain. You can't say enough about Barcelona, raw talent in all eleven positions on the pitch. Messi, Iniesta, and Pique just to name a few will carry this squad. On the other side you have PSG who made lots of moves in the off season including the signings of Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, and most recently acquired David Beckham who in his thirties still has juice in the tank to provide for his squad. I expect another action filled high scoring game.
The final fixture is near and dear to myself and my co blogger Victor. The match between Bayern Munich and Juventus. Juventus the Serie A champs with Pirlo and Gigi Buffon play solid defense, and have a passing game that not many teams can duplicate. They also have Marchisio and Matri up front and Chiellini and Bonucci in the back defending. Juventus score early and then put up a defensive wall the takes the hopes away from their opponents. Victor will have his black and white scarf on cheering them on.
Juventus' opponents are my favorite team Bayern Munich lead by skipper Phillip Lahm and Goalie Manuel Neuer. Bayern have set all kinds of records in the Bundesliga this year and have played solid in the Champions League as well. Up front look for strikers Mario Mandzukic and Mario Gomez to score goals along with Thomas Muller a player who has been unstoppable. The defense has new comer Dante and young Left Back David Alaba trying to cover their lines. I can't wait to see Bayern's offense clash with Juve's defense.
This years Champions League is getting interesting and we'll be following the action here at On The Pitch Soccer Blog right up to the last whistle in Wembley London for the Championship.
-Written by Justin Zydor
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