Champions League Draw

Well, there’s one thing I’ll say about Uefa, they certainly know how to “draw” out a draw! If you know what I mean? How can something that should take five minutes at most, take 25?

Anyway, after all the banal formalities, here is what we have to look forward to in the final stages of this season’s Champions League, and there are some intriguing Quarter Final pairings and potential Semi Finals in prospect.

Quarter Finals

First Leg (To Be Played 3rd & 4th April)

QF 1. AC Milan v Bayern Munich
QF 2. PSV Eindhoven v Liverpool
QF 3. AS Roma v Manchester Utd
QF 4. Chelsea v Valencia

The Second Legs To Be Played 10th & 11th April

Semi Finals

First Leg (Dates to be confirmed)

SF 1. Winner QF 4 v Winner QF 2 (Chelsea or Valencia v PSV Eindhoven or Liverpool)
SF 2. Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 1 (AS Roma or Manchester United v AC Milan or Bayern Munich)

The Final (To Be Played At The Olympic Stadium Athens On Wednesday 23rd May)

For administrative purposes only, the “Home” and “Away” teams will be considered as follows:

Home Team = Winner SF 2.
Away Team = Winner SF 1.

All three English teams will be heaving a huge sight of at having avoided each other. However there is the prospect of a repeat of the 2005 Semi Final pairing of Chelsea and Liverpool. There could even be a re-run of that never to be forgotten Final in 2005 of AC Milan v Liverpool. I wonder what odds you’d get now for that Final and it ending 3 - 3 and going to penalties? Quite long I would imagine!

Another intriguing Semi Final prospect for Liverpool should they get through is the return of Rafael Benítez to his former club Valencia.

The potential for the second Semi Final is almost more enticing with either AC Milan or a resurgent Bayern Munich playing either Man Utd or Roma. Milan / Bayern is probably the pick of the ties. They have won the trophy 10 times between them. Man Utd will be happy with their draw, but like all the teams left, they will not underestimate their opponents one bit.

So, who will be there on May 23rd? We are all going to have to watch to find out, and I for one can’t wait!

The Soccer Blogger

Selected Best Posts From The Soccer Blog

• Scolari - I did my best
• Griffin wants Stoke signings
• Utd Stumble Again, Chelsea Win
• Man Utd Beat Celtic In Battle Of Britain
• Scolari committed to Portugal
• FA Cup Final Review
• England and McClaren Earn Points

• Soccer Fitness, Soccer Training, Soccer Skills

If you enjoy The Soccer Blog, the please don't forget to Subscribe Here

Please feel free to copy this Trackback URL on your blog for this post:
http://thesoccer-blog.com/champions-league/champions-league-draw/trackback/

75 views this week (Brand New Feature, just introduced.)

Entering Comments

If you would like to see your photo (or gravatar) next to your comment, please simply sign up at Gravatar.com and add your picture to your email address. Our logo will appear by default next to your name should you not wish to add your photo or gravatar image to your comments.
Many thanks
Rik