It’s that time of year again. While the majority of us have heard nothing but rainfall and alarm clocks over the last few months, no doubt, many will be craving the sound of the famous ‘Champions League’ anthem, with the return of European football’s biggest club tournament imminent.
After all, why not? For a neutral, this is arguably one of the most exciting seasons domestically that the country has seen in a while. An enthralling three horse race (despite Mourinho’s unorthodox horse metaphors concerning his Chelsea side), plus the drop zone being more of a Grand Canyon, with 8 or 9 teams still in danger. Plus two Welsh teams in the top flight of English football and Celtic doing their reputation no harm with their efforts in their Champions League group of death, at the back end of 2013.
However, now that the last 16 is back, it will be interesting to see how the Premier League goes up against the rest of Europe’s elites. With the title race and indeed the race for Champions League football next season being so intense, this knockout stage could be crucial.
To go in chronological order when looking at the remaining fixtures concerning British sides, the opener being the small matter of Manchester City versus Barcelona. City, who have flattered to deceive in recent European campaigns have excelled under Manuel Pellegrini this time around. But even a side described as the ‘worst Barcelona team in years’ by the ever timid Jose Mourinho managed to run out 2-0 winners last night. Perhaps it’s time for Manchester City to concentrate on the Premier League?
‘Specialist in failure’ or otherwise, Arsene Wenger goes into today’s game with Bayern Munich, a repeat of their last Champions League knockout game with an Arsenal team defying all the odds and still in the running for their first trophy since 2005. A stat frequently banded around and repeated by cynics. However, there is no denying this is a strong Arsenal side, this is a solid side and this is a side hungry for success.
What’s more, they, like City, boast a win at the Allianz in 2013. The difference in title races may be an interesting one, with Arsenal so hungry for domestic success, Wenger will be keen to make sure they don’t take their eye off the balls against arguably the best team on the planet. Bayern have picked up where they left off under Jupp Hecknes, Dortmund’s stuttering season has allowed them to pile drive through the Bundesliga. Can they remain focused, when they have been used to success, without really having to work too hard for it in recent months.
On paper, Manchester United’s trip to Greek side Olympiakos looks a walkover and they should see it out with ease. But, you don’t need to be told that David Moyes’ debut season as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor has simply not gone to plan. Even with this supposed trio of doom, Van Persie, Rooney and Mata they have stumbled at home and they have stumbled away. Teams are going to Old Trafford, with belief rather than fear.
While teams used to write off the United game as a loss and look to move on, it is the Red Devils that now seem to have no confidence. What’s more, they have struggled immensely to see out games, as was proved by the ludicrous Fulham game, when they broke all kinds of records for possession and crosses, yet were still described as a team playing ‘conference football’. They will be keen to progress, the way that domestically Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are playing at the moment, it may well be a season to forget for David Moyes. This could be a beacon for them.
Finally, we look at Mourinho’s Chelsea team, a team starting to really grow in confidence and results wise they are really coming together at the right time of the season. They face a Galatasary team, which should see them progress, but it will not be easy. They start with an away leg in Istanbul, the ‘Cim Bom’ being known to create a terrifying atmosphere for away teams.
Although, it is not just flares and banners that make this a tricky fixture; the side managed by former City boss Roberto Mancini boast a roster with European and specifically Premier League experience: Notably, Didier Drogba, who will return to play against the club that adored him, his time there culminating in him scoring the winning penalty to give Chelsea their first European cup two seasons ago now.
Also, Wesley Sneijder has won the competition before and a potential dark horse could be Drogba’s lethal strike partner Burak Yilmaz. This has the potential to be a banana skin for Chelsea, but they seem too efficient at the moment to let it be.
All in all, the round of 16 sees some mouth watering ties, but crucially, it is a time for the Premier League to try and regain a position of prominence in Europe. With other leagues surpassing them lately in European success, now is the time to capitalize. Moreover, the neutrals among us will be treated to some crackers! See you all for the next round.
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