Sunday, March 31, 2013

Winners League quarter-final preview: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Dortmund and Juventus seeking semi-final berths

The Champions League returns next week, with eight teams still in the quest to make the final at Wembley in-may. A number of high-profile factors have been eradicated, including Manchester United, City and defending winners Chelsea, but a host of top European clubs still remain. The four fixtures drawn are typical exciting match-ups, without integrating any of the contest favourites together. With famous brands Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich still in the look, and the rising power of groups like Paris Saint-Germain, Malaga and Borussia Dortmund, and enthralling quarter-final line-up is waiting for you. Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona Despite a in early March that saw them defeated twice by Real Madrid and after by AC Milan at the San Siro, Barcelona remain the trophy to be lifted by one the favourites this season. The Catalan part overcame their scare in Italy with an extensive 4-0 win in the second leg of these last 16 link against the Rossoneri. PSGas new-found wealth is starting to reap advantages, with the French capital-city part top of Ligue 1 and starting to appear like a threat in Europe. Carlo Ancelottias star-studded side removed experienced European side Valencia in the last 16, but their next conflict may check just how much they've come, and whether they are prepared to mix it with the best teams on the continent. The first leg of this link will soon be performed at the Parc des Princes, and it is essential that PSG get their home leg should they stand any chance of advancement to the semi-finals. Even then, as Milan found out, planning to Camp Nou is a ask, and the Parisian rearguard will have to be disciplined to include a lethal Barcelona attack. As control basketball and their targeting play must certanly be an excessive amount of for PSG to handle, It's difficult to look past Barcelona for this tie. The French side should be commended for their efforts in making it this far, nevertheless the Catalans have eyes on a domestic and European increase. Bayern Munich vs Juventus Arguably the tie of the round, Bayern Munich and Juventus have now been relatively comfortable in their progression for this phase, and can look to lay down a statement of purpose with success here. Bayern continue to be hurting from their defeat to Chelsea in the final of the Champions League last phrase, and came out fighting in 2012/13. With a domestic Bundesliga name all but wrapped up and scintillating kind on the country, the Bavarians will require some beating now round. The 3-1 conquer Arsenal in England within the last few round revealed what Die Roten are designed for, and with Pep Guardiola assuming the Allianz Arena hotseat next year it is an interesting time to be a Bayern Munich lover. Juventus have gone about efficiently and their business clinically this term, and have put themselves in a position to retrieve their Serie A crown. In the Champions League progression was ensured by a commanding performance against Celtic in Scotland for this phase, and a 3-0 home make an impression on Chelsea in the groups stands apart. Nevertheless, the link against Bayern would have been a step up for the Bianconeri. The champions of the tie should be regarded as a genuine contender for your competition, and Bayern will undoubtedly be moderate favourites given the direction they have been playing. Nevertheless, Juventus demonstrate standard Italian doggedness over the last 18 months, and with a supremely talented midfield, might just side the tie. Malaga vs Borussia Dortmund A battle of the wild cards, Malaga and Borussia Dortmund have over come several obstacles to just take their rightful devote the last eight, and this link ought to be filled with targeting fascinating and purpose play. Malagaas successes this season are created all the more spectacular provided their financial problems in the summer, and following the sale of Jose Rondon and Santi Cazorla the medial side from La Rosaleda were being written off. But Manuel Pellegrini did wonders. The Spanish side topped their Champions League group unbeaten at the very first time of asking, and overcame a lively Porto group to really make the last eight. Dortmund struggled to create an effect in Europe last year after winning the Bundesliga at a, but Jurgen Kloppas men have already been a tough customer in this seasonas competition. Leading the Group of Death against Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax, the German champions then outplayed the dangerous Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 16. Supremely gifted and destructive in assault, Dortmund fans are thinking of a repeat of their 1997 heroics in raising Europeas top trophy. Malaga can set up a strong-willed fight in the initial leg at home, but Dortmund should have a lot of in the return leg in Germany. The kind of Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Mats Hummels are earth stars in the making, and Dortmund should progress with a powerful house featuring. True Madrid versus Galatasaray Real Madridas slow start to the growing season has been put well and truly to their rear, and Jose Mourinhoas men attended into form at only the right time. Straight victories over Clasico competitors Barcelona and the reduction of Manchester United from the Champions League have already been Los Blancosa standout performances of the plan. Galatasaray have regained their mantle as Turkeyas top team under Fatih Terem, and with a success of experienced international players complementing exciting homegrown skill, certainly are a difficult team to face. The shrewd January acquisitions of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder present that the Turks are willing to have back once again to their former dominant selves, and an imposing atmosphere at the Turk Telekom Arena awaits Madrid. Despite Galatasarayas progress and impressive eradication of Schalke in the last round, it is difficult to check past Madrid for the tie. Mourinho will need his side as a match in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu to finish the link, and the Turks will think it is tough to contain the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

Via: [Live Football] FC St. Pauli - SC Paderborn 07 - German 2. Bundesliga

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