champions league Round of 16

The Champions league draw for the first knock out stage,8 matches,16 high caliber teams battle it out to reach the next stage.Remember,two teams who were already in the group stages and from the same country cannot meet in this part of the round.The first leg will be played on February 19/20 and March 4/5,2009.

Celtic(Scotland) vs Barcelona(Spain)

Lyon(France) vs Manchester United(England)

Schalke(Germany) vs Porto(Portugal)

Liverpool(England) vs Inter Milan(Italy)

Roma(Italy) vs Real Madrid(Spain)

Arsenal(England) vs AC Milan(Italy)

Olympiakos(Greece) vs Chelsea(England)

Fenerbahce(Turkey) vs Sevilla(Spain)


Celtic Vs Barcelona
Celtic would have to really work hard to overcome the likes of messi and eto'o and ronaldinho.They would have to really do well at Celtic Park to have any chance as I don't see them doing well at Nou Camp.Finally,a breeze through for Catalan giants.


Lyon vs Manchester United
Now this is a toughie and would be a fascinating tie.I don't think Manchester United supporters or players can downplay the french team in my view.It may look like an easy tie for them but I think there is more to it.In the end,Manchester United have too much class and skill to overcome Lyon.


Schalke vs Porto
This may not involve the big heavyweights of european football but you cannot undermine the 2004 Champions league winners Porto's strength and the ability to outdo even the toughest opposition.I see Porto going through.


Liverpool vs Inter Milan
Another toughie.Liverpool are a bit rotten now with losses in the league and Carling Cup but I somehow think that liverpool just get more blood running in their veins and more confidence blowing when its in the Champions league (read as 8-0 vs Besiktas).Inter are gonna be a tough fight as they always do in Europe.In the end,I think liverpool will be too dominating and attack as a side against the defense minded Italians.


AS Roma vs Real Madrid
Since am a Madrid Fan I would say that they'll go through(which they would even if i were to be unbiased!).Madrid are playing the cool game that they used to at the time of Vicente Del Bosque.AS Roma are gonna eat dust!


Arsenal vs AC Milan
This is undoubtedly the best and the most mouth watering tie of this stage.I would not like to predict the outcome of this as am unsure and can't even actually guess whose going to be better of the two.I do think that whoever wins it will be by a marginal gap.


Olypiakos vs Chelsea
A breezethrough for chelsea.


Fenerbahce vs Sevilla
Again the spanish side are going to be too big a task to overcome the turks.
Thats it for my comments and views on the draw.
Peace@17:57