It will be somewhere around 11PM in the night when Manchester United players on the other side of the globe, get to know their fate in the last 16 of this season's CL. Having said that, you can bet that none will go to bed without knowing who they face in the unforgiving knock-out phase of the Champions League.
We finished top of our group so logically, we are supposed to have an easy last 16 tie--unfortunately, this season will firmly put an exception to that ideology. There were as many top teams that finished top as there were that finished second in their respective groups.
Consequently, United can meet the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid as early as Feb and from an objective view, one would assert that the final has come too early.
The official website recently ran a poll in which fans were asked who they fancied in the last 16. Not surprisingly, Sporting Lisbon came out on top as they are the simplest side we can face in the draw. Real Madrid came second but after last night's press release about Ronaldo, you can bet that many are now hopping that Platini can do them the favour of pitting United against the struggling Spanish outfit--what will be viewed as a chance to settle their differences the football way after many a war of words between the two clubs. More on that after the draw..
Athletico Madrid and Lyon and are the other possible opponents. The Madrid side are definitely the side I want us to avoid as they have the recipe for shock results. They are the mould of the replica for the FC Porto side that won the competition in 2004.
Speaking of that Porto side, we could also be paired with Mr. Jose Mouthrinho! What a match that would be--a chance for Sir Alex to prove himself against Mour in a European tactics game! But I'm sure he wouldn't be looking forward to it. Inter are definitely the toughest team we could face especially when you look at their position in the Serie A. Whilst we shall be trying to make ground in our own league, they could have virtually wrapped up theirs by the end of February. So CROSS YOUR FINGERS LADS! IT'S AT 11.00 HRS GMT
Labels: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
