UEFA Champions League Draw features mouthwatering matchups
To give you a brief introduction into one of the most popular sports in the world, there is a collection of leagues that play almost year-round, all composed of teams in their respective countries. Teams (clubs) play in leagues throughout the year and are “inducted” into a Champions League (Champions League games have no impact on league games), where the top clubs play against each other.
Prior to the Draw, different clubs from different leagues played each other in 8 groups with 4 teams per group. After playing each club in a specific group twice (one away game, one home game), the top two performers in each group would move on to the round of 16, which is where the UEFA Champions League Draw dictates who plays whom. Two pots were formed with one of the group winners and the other of the runner-ups; from the draws, no club could face off against another club from their own group or from the same league. Here are the results:
Juventus (ITA) v Tottenham Hotspur (ENG): 13 February and 7 March
Basel (SUI) v Manchester City (ENG): 13 February and 7 March
Porto (POR) v Liverpool (ENG): 14 February and 6 March
Real Madrid (ESP, holders) v Paris (FRA): 14 February and 6 March
Chelsea (ENG) v Barcelona (ESP): 20 February and 14 March
Bayern München (GER) v Beşiktaş (TUR): 20 February and 14 March
Sevilla (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG): 21 February and 13 March
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v Roma (ITA): 21 February and 13 March
Matchups to watch:
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur 13 February and 7 March
Last year’s Champions League Finals losers, Juventus, face a young, up-and-coming English side in the Tottenham Hotspurs. Juventus (an Italian club) will struggle to fend off Tottenham’s Danish passing wizard Christian Eriksen and his crosses to English striker, Harry Kane, and English midfielder, Dele Ali. However, they sport one of the most experienced and strongest defenses in the world with Italian center back Giorgio Chiellini leading the charge. Not only is their defense strong, but Juventus also boasts one of the world’s brightest young talents—Argentinian forward, Paulo Dybala, whose creative ability and pace meshes nicely with fellow Argentinian, chiefly prolific striker, Gonzalo Higuain. Juventus’ all around experience and strength should pull them through this one.
Score Predictions: Juventus 5-3 Tottenham agg.
Chelsea v Barcelona 20 February and 14 March
Last year’s Premier League (England) winners, Chelsea FC, face arguably the world’s best player, Argentinian winger, Lionel Messi, and his team, La Liga (Spain) powerhouse FC Barcelona. Barcelona are currently in the form of their lives, sitting at the top of the standings in La Liga. Chelsea, however, have yet to find their 2016-2017 form and are currently in 3rd place in the Premier League standings. Chelsea’s Belgian winger, Eden Hazard, is sure to chip in a goal (maybe two) and make things interesting for Barcelona’s notably weak right side. In the end, however, Messi will ultimately carry Barcelona to victory. Again.
Score Predictions: Barcelona 4-1 Chelsea agg.
Fans have mixed feelings about this years draw. “It’s the worst. No Arsenal (ENG) and Atletico (ESP),” said Inque Park (11B), known Arsenal and Atletico fan. Others are more optimistic about the entertainment value of the draw. “Honestly, I think this year has one of the best draws that I’ve seen so far,” remarked Robin Kim (11A).
Important information from uefa.com
Featured image Baku’s Olympic Stadium via Eminn Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
