UEFA Champions League: Can Liverpool make a comeback?
Chelsea started off strong in the first leg Liverpool, Porto scored two goals at Old Trafford, Arsenal was able to draw at Villareal, and Barcelona crushed Bayern at home. The second leg of the quarterfinals take place Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s a preview of the matches.
Liverpool at Chelsea – 1-3 aggregate – Tuesday – 19:45 (GMT) – Liverpool’s impressive streak came to a crashing halt as Chelsea won at Anfield in last Wednesday’s first leg. Fortunately for Liverpool, Chelsea have been stronger on the road but giving up 3 away goals might be too much to overcome. While Liverpool should come out with nothing to lose, they will have to play an attacking game that will give Chelsea opportunities on the counterattack. The home team is in the driver’s seat and does not have to take chances, and should move on to the semifinals for the 2nd straight year. Prediction – Chelsea win on aggregate 4-3
FC Barcelona at Bayern Munich – 4-0 aggregate – Tuesday – 19:45 (GMT) – Barcelona was impressive in their victory at the Camp Nou in the first leg. Bayern have struggled in the Bundesliga, and looked unable to keep up with Lionel Messi and the Barca attack. The German team has world class talent in players like Frank Ribery but making up 4 goals against the La Liga leaders is too much to ask. Barcelona’s defense should be able to make the Bayern defense look slow, and second rate with strong performances from Messi, Henry, and Eto’o. Prediction – FC Barcelona win on aggregate 6-2
Manchester United at Porto – 2-2 aggregate – Wednesday – 19:45 (GMT) – Man U were unable to hold onto a victory in the first leg at Old Trafford and Porto scored 2 crucial away goals. While Porto is headed by Jose Mourinho anymore, they could very well knock off the defending champions. If both teams play to the best of their abilities, Manchester United should win 9 out of 10 games, but with soccer anything can happen. After a disappointing first leg, Sir Alex Ferguson should have United refocused and ready to advance into the semifinals against a tough, but inferio Porto team. Prediction – Manchester United win on aggregate 5-3
Villareal at Arsenal – 1-1 aggregate – Wednesday – 19:45 (GMT) – Arsenal scored an away goal in the second half and now head back to the Emirates for the second leg. Villareal, currently are 5th in La Liga and might not make the Champions League next season. During the middle of the season, Arsenal were struggling in the Premiership but have gotten several key players back from injury and looking strong to reach the next round. Arsenal have yet to lose at home in the Champions League this season and should continue that streak against Villareal on Wednesday. Prediction – Arsenal wins on aggregate 3-1
