Champions League Quarterfinals

I was unable to provide a preview for yesterday's quarterfinal first leg matches, which saw Barcelona win at Schalke 04 1-0 and Manchester United score a tie-clinching 2-0 away victory in Rome. So a quick review of those matches before we preview today's other two first legs.

Schalke 04 v. Barcelona (0 - 1 first leg)
Barcelona limped into this Champions League fixture against Schalke, with manager Frank Rijkaard coming under fire for the team's recent form. It is hard to place all the blame on Rijkaard, with injured Lionel Messi (their most important player in this blog's opinion) out the last several weeks, but then again, it's hard not to blame a coach when a team of this much talent fails to live up to its promise. So the day began with Barca supporters mired in frustration, and ended with a bit of a reprieve for Rijkaard, as wunderkind (and future Messi, perhaps) Bojan Krkic scored a vital away goal to all but ensure Barcelona's passage to the semifinals, as they return home to the Nou Camp with a 1-0 lead over the German side. All is still not well for Barca, but a dream semifinal against Manchester United will surely envigorate the populace and have people believing in this side's potential once again.

Roma v. Manchester United (0 -2 first leg)
Anyone who glanced at this result without seeing the game might come away saying "Manchester United are really dominant right now, they are the favorites to win it all," and he wouldn't be far off. However, as impressive a result as this is (and make no mistake, winniing 2-0 over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in front of a rabid fan base is no small feat to accomplish), it would be better to characterize United as "opportunistic" rather than "dominant." Roma, playing without their maestro Totti, actually were more threatening, and seemed to carry over confidence from their impressive besting of Real Madrid. But the chances just weren't ending in finishes, and Totti's absence likely caused a lack of killer instinct in the final third, as well as a lack of imagination. On the other end, one moment of brilliance in the 39th minute by Cristiano Ronaldo (and Paul Scholes with the assist) produced a backbreaking goal against the run of play, and you could just sense the air being sucked out of the stadium, even without the id of high-definition. The second half saw more chances for Roma, some great goalkeeping by Van der Saar, and a cheap goal for Rooney that again came against the run of play. But, it must be said, United did deserve the win, as they were stern and stingy in defense, and very opportunistic in attack, and the end result was a beautiful reward of a 2-0 away goals lead for the return trip to Old Trafford. United are not without their vulnerabilities, but they are definitely the deepest and most in form team in both England and Europe at the moment. Their biggest asset is just how hard they are to beat, specifically in a two-legged tie. They resemble Liverpool's European form of recent years in that regard. Many are already dreaming of a Man Utd v. Liverpool Champions League final. I wouldn't rule it out, as much as it pains me to say.

Now, with Tuesday's results briefly recounted, let's preview today's first leg fixtures.

Fenerbahce v. Chelsea
I severely underestimated teh Turkish side in the round of 16 against Sevilla, and they proved me wrong by winning in fantastic fashion, on penalties after a 5-5 aggregate through two legs. They get to play host to Chelsea today, and will hope for a similarly bright start to the tie as they got versus Sevilla, when they won at home 3-2. Of course, they would prefer to give up zero away goals to the Blues, as scoring in Stamford Bridge will be a tougher proposition than scoring at the Mestalla. Chelsea have to be the favorites, just because of their impenetrable form at home. They will likely play it close to the vest today, and look for a 0-0 draw, or possibly look to catch Fenerbahce on the counter. Still, Fenerhbahce have proved so dangerous going forward with Lugano, Alex, Kezman and leading goalscorer, Deivid, that I do see them breaking through in front of the home crowd...unfortunately, I also see Drogba hitting them once on the counter and the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal v. Liverpool
Everyone's favorite quarterfinal matchup kicks off today at the Emirates. Liverpool have the advantage clearly, because they play the return leg at Anfield, and because this is, after all, the Champions League, where they have been in two finals in the past three years, winning once. Rafa Benitez just knows how to win in Champions League, and it would be unwise to pick against his side in this matchup, especially because Arsenal are so young. There are very few players left over from the team that played in the Champions League final two years ago - this Gunners side is much younger. They are also more vibrant, and arguably play a more attractive style of football than did the Henry-led team of two years back. Still, pundits and analysts all contend that Arsenal peaked several weeks ago, and they are probably correct. The fact is, Arsenal are razor thin, and even now are forced to start a still-not-100% Robin van Persie up front. They are still in sore need of Tomas Rosicky's presence out right, as the platoon of Eboue, Walcott, and Diaby just has not been as potent or as imaginitive in attack as the Czech international. Adebayor's goal scoring flair has gone missing, and the horrific injury to Eduardo still haunts them. Hleb, Febregas, and Flamini are all still wondrous, but have got to be exhausted from all the minutes played. Stalwart left back Sagna is out injured, and suddenly there are chinks in the armor at back with Gallas and Toure. This is a wounded Arsenal team, and Liverpool, as mediocre as they are in the Premiership, look poised to pounce all over them in this Champions League quarterfinal. Fernando Torres would be player of the year in England if not for Ronaldo at United, and Benitez seems to have suddenly figured out his rotation policy, with Babel getting consistent starts up front, and Mascherano thriving as CDM (despite his outbursts at Old Trafford). Gerrard and Kuyt are playing relaxed and stylish, and overall this team appears rested. Benitez hears all season long about his rotation depriving the team of rhythm or consistent play (a fair charge), but no one can deny that this policy allows his side to be more rested and more fit at the end of the campaign, specifically at the end of the Champions League.
It's a fascinating matchup between two English giants who have never before met in the Champions League, if you can believe that, but one that I see going against the Gunners, unfortunately. Liverpool wins both legs, and possibly three in a row, over the sagging, hurting Arsenal. 4-1 aggregate.

So I see a Manchester United v. Barcelona and Chelsea v. Liverpool semifinals of the '08 Champions League.

Keep watching!