The first knock out round of the UEFA Champions League has served up some juicy ties and fantastic story lines as Europe’s top clubs go head to head in two way play-off games.
The first knock out round of the UEFA Champions League has served up some juicy ties and fantastic story lines as Europe’s top clubs go head to head in two way play-off games.
Chelsea boss ‘the happy one’ Jose Mourinho, in his second stint at Chelsea had asked for a ‘reunion’ with Didier Drogba and has gotten his wish, as Galatasaray will host the first leg between the two clubs.
Arsenal’s failure to maintain their hold on top spot of their group has set up a reunion with current European Champions Bayern Munich, in what is a repeat of their match-up last season at the same stage.
David Moyes will be considered the most fortunate of the managers of British clubs with Manchester United drawing Olympiacos. Moyes has not enjoyed a good spell since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at United, but a deep run in the Champions League will certainly ease some of the pressure off the Scotts man.
Manuel Pelligrini is the first man to take Manchester City beyond the group stages of the Champions League and his gift for doing do it a date with the mighty Barcelona. City have been in great domestic form, especially at home, ripping league leaders Arsenal to shreds at the weekend.
Their away win at current European champions Bayern Munich will give City confidence when they face Barcelona in Spain. The first tie will be played at home and a win their will certainly set the tone. Yaya Toure who has flourished at Man City was considered surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
AC Milan will take on Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen will face Paris St. Germain, Zenit St. Peterburg will battle Borussia Dortmund while the winningest club Real Madrid and Schalke will go head to head.
Photo: Jose Mourinho (getty images)
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