Internazionale v. Manchester United

This match should be called “Mourinho v. Ferguson.”  The two old “friends” meet again and neither could be happier.  Mourinho asked for a tough draw to motivate his team and he got it.  Sir Alex is probably relishing the idea of crushing Mourinho.  This is going to be a blood bath and should be the most highly anticipated game of the second round.  Inter stuttered at the end of the group stage and they can’t afford to make a mistake against the English Champions.  Inter, at its best, is very very good.  The Italian side is capable of a little bit more magic than Man U, with players like Ibrahimovic in form.  Man U is the defending champion and for good reason. I’m going to predict that Inter upset Man U in this one.

Chelsea v. Juventus

Juventus isn’t the same powerhouse it used to be, but don’t take them lightly.  They currently sit second in the Italian league and finished first in their group. They beat Real Madrid twice on their way to the second round.  Chelsea hasn’t shown its best form in Champions League.  They won 3, lost 1, and tied 2 in a relatively easy group.  Scolari doesn’t have the depth needed to challenge in for both the Champions League and Premier title.  The winter transfer window will important to Chelsea to see if they can muster some bodies.

Villarreal v. Panathinaikos

Panathinkaikos was the surprise winner of Group B, a group that also contained Inter Milan and Werder Bremen.  This an exciting team that is capabel of beating anybody.  Villarreal finished second behind Man U.  Villarreal has struggled with some injuries as of late, but there is plenty of time for them to heal and possibly bring in some fresh players during the transfer window.  This game should be on of the more exciting, yet overlooked, matches of the second round.

Sporting Lisbon v. Bayern Munich

Bayern couldn’t be happier with this draw.  Munich is once again becoming one of the most feared teams in Europe.  Lisbon might not have what it takes to bring down the Munich giants.  Lisbon finished second in their group behind Barcelona, in a weak group.  Lisbon was crushed by Barcelona in the later stages 5-2 before clinching with a win against Basel.

Atletico Madrid v. FC Porto

Atletico finished second in their group behind Liverpool after dropping two points to Marseille in the final match day.  Atletico has been in excellent form, tieing Liverpool twice. FC Porto is a tough team to beat at home.  They proved that in their 2-0 victory over Arsenal. This match could either way, but I see Atletico coming out on top.

Lyon v. Barcelona

This should be a very open and exciting match.  Barcelona has been tearing through the  competition, both domestically and in Europe.  Messi has 5 goals and is in outstanding form.  Lyon, though, should not be taken lightly.  Lyon finished second in their group after losing to Bayern 2-3 on the final match day. Karim Benzema has been lighting up Europe with 5 goals of his own, and is proving to be one of the best young talents in the world.  This game should be fun to watch.

Real Madrid v. Liverpool

Real Madrid finished behind Juventus and is in its worst form of the season.  There has been a great deal of shake up as of late for the Spanish giants, but Real is a team you can’t take lightly.  Madrid boasts some of the best talent in Europe, and should be back to winning ways come winter’s end.  Liverpool, under Rafa Benitez, has had amazing success in Europe. Liverpool is once again poised to win it all this year.  Rafa knows the Spanish game like the back of his hand and should prepare his boys well for this match.  I see Liverpool taking this one.

Arsenal v. AS Roma

The disaster that is Arsenal takes on a very good Roma side.  Arsenal has been struggling and has already been counted out of the Premier League race.  Arsenal is young, dynamic, and inconsistent.  Their success against Roma all depends on which Arsenal shows up to the stadium that day.  Roma, on the other hand, have the advantage of experience on their side.  Players such as Totti, Baptista, Pizarro, Panucci, and Perrotta have seen it all.  Totti is playing well, which means Roma is winning.  Add to that the goal scoring prowess of Vucinic, and you have very tough team to beat.

Tags: International Soccer

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