The UEFA Champions league returns this week and we are down to the best 8 teams in Europe. The final 8 comprises of 3 teams from Spain, 2 from France and 1 each from Portugal, Germany and Italy
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1. Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Probably the tie of the round and a repeat of last years final. Things are different this time as Atletico have lost some key players and are not looking like winning the Spanish league again while Real have strengthened considerably in the summer. Both teams will have key players back for the tie as Atletico will welcome back both Mandzukic and Godin while Carlo Ancelotti will have a full squad to choose from for the first time this season. These 2 teams have met 6 times this season and Atletico are yet to be beaten and Diego Simeone will be confident of getting 1 over Ancelotti again.
Prediction
Atletico 1-0 Real
Real 2-1 Atletico
Atletico go through on Away Goals
2. Juventus VS Monaco
Juventus and Monaco will both fancy their chances with both sides having underachieved consistently in this competition. Monaco last made the final in 2004 while Juventus have not reached the semis since 2003. Juventus had the liberty of resting a host of first choice players for their shock defeat to Parma while Monaco will be hugely dependent on the ability of Dmitar Berbatov and their excellent defense.
Prediction
Juventus 2-1Monaco
Monaco 0-1 Juventus
3. Bayern vs Porto
German Champions Bayern should be too strong for the Portugese Champions. The Bavarians have as many as 7 first choice players missing and despite that they have been competing brilliantly on all 3 fronts. Porto on the other hand will be interesting opponents with their high pressing style will be a good match for Bayerns style. Porto will hope for some fire power from Jackson Martinez but whichever way you look at it you see the German Champions advancing but not without a fight
Prediction
Porto 2-1 Bayern
Bayern 2-0 Porto
4. PSG vs Barcelona
PSG's reward for overcoming Chelsea was a date with Barcelona. The 2 teams met earlier in the group stage with both sides winning their home games. PSG will have to content with their home leg without the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovich after the Swede was sent off at Stamford Bridge, Barcelona are a different team from the one that played PSG in the group stage as they have Luis Suarez now fully integrated with Messi and Neymar.
Prediction
PSG 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-1 PSGs
